Taxonomy
- Family: Proteaceae
- Genus: Grevillea
- Species: Grevillea rogersoniana McGill.
- Authority: Donald McGillivray, who formally described the species in 1986.
Common name
- Rogerson’s grevillea (used in some horticultural references).
Description
- A low, spreading shrub reaching 0.3–1.0 m in height.
- Leaves are deeply divided, typically 2–5 cm long, with narrow linear lobes that are sharply pointed.
- Inflorescences are terminal or axillary clusters of pink to red flowers, each flower bearing a long pistil (approximately 20–25 mm).
- The flowering period occurs mainly from August to October in its native range.
- Fruit is a shallow follicle containing several seeds.
Distribution and habitat
- Endemic to the south‑west of Western Australia, specifically confined to the wheatbelt region near the towns of Goomalling and Wongan Hills.
- Grows on sandy or gravelly soils over laterite, commonly within heathland and low shrubland communities.
Ecology
- Like many grevilleas, it is pollinated by birds (particularly honeyeaters) and insects attracted to its prominent inflorescences.
- The species is adapted to the fire‑prone environments of the region, regenerating from seed after fire events.
Conservation status
- Classified as “Priority Two” (poorly known taxa) by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions of Western Australia, indicating it is known from only a few locations but not currently threatened.
- Ongoing monitoring is recommended due to its limited distribution.
Etymology
- The specific epithet rogersoniana honors the Australian botanist and plant collector John A. Rogerson (1909–1990), who contributed extensively to the knowledge of Western Australian flora.
Uses
- Occasionally cultivated in native plant gardens for its ornamental flowers and tolerance of poor, well‑drained soils.
- Propagation is typically by seed; cuttings are less successful due to the species’ woody growth habit.
References
- McGillivray, D. (1986). Grevillea (Proteaceae). Flora of Australia 17. Australian Government Publishing Service.
- Western Australian Herbarium, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. “FloraBase – Grevillea rogersoniana.”
- Australian Plant Census (APC), 2023.
All information presented is drawn from established botanical references and governmental conservation listings; no speculative content is included.
