Melulta

Melulta is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. It is native to coastal regions of the temperate southern hemisphere. The genus comprises two described species: Melulta maritima and Melulta lanceolata.

Melulta maritima is a low-growing perennial up to 60 cm tall, with fleshy, rounded leaves; Melulta lanceolata is a taller shrub up to 180 cm with slender lance-shaped leaves. Both species produce golden-yellow flower heads with the typical composite structure found in Asteraceae.

They flower mainly in spring and summer, and pollination is primarily by bees; seeds are dispersed by wind. The plants form open stands in coastal habitats, often in dune slacks or rocky ledges.

Distribution includes coastal regions of southeastern Australia and the South Island of New Zealand, where they occur in sunny, exposed sites with well-drained soils.

Conservation status is variable by species. Melulta maritima is listed as Near Threatened in some regions due to coastal development and habitat loss, while Melulta lanceolata is assessed as Vulnerable in others, reflecting fragmented populations and ongoing habitat pressures. Further monitoring and habitat protection are recommended to support long-term persistence of the genus.