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Melaleuca viminalis (Sol. ex Gaertn.) Byrnes
| Family Name: | Myrtaceae |
| Synonyms: | Callistemon viminalis |
| Common Name: | Weeping Bottle-brush |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Tree (Small (6m-15m)) |
|---|---|
| Maximum Height | 10 m |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 6 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Eastern Australia - Queensland and New South Wales |
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Description and Ethnobotany
| Foliage | Leaves are 2 - 6 cm long, narrow lanceolate. Young flushes are slightly hairy. |
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| Flowers | Inflorescence 5-20cm x 3-6cm, terminal, bright red, comprising predominantly of showy stamens (see etymology). The stamens are fused together in a 'ring', are shed together as one unit. The leaves may continue to grow from the terminal apex of the inflorescence, so that the flowers appear as if "threaded" through the branches. |
| Fruit | Dry, woody capsules; seeds are shed upon maturity. |
| Others - Plant Morphology | This is a small, bushy tree, with arching or weeping branches, which are covered in silky hairs when young. Its weeping form is somewhat reminiscent of the Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica), but easily distinguished when in flower by the red “bottlebrush” inflorescences, or otherwise by the lanceolate leaves with a thicker and more leathery texture and it also has a darker and more fissured bark. Special Note:Distinguishing characteristic - the seeds of this species are shed annually from the capsules and are not retained for many months as in most other species of Callistemon.Propagation/Cultivation:Propagation from seeds. This plant is somewhat drought tolerant when established. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Suitable for Roadsides |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 2.5 (Tree - Open Canopy) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Red |
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Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1480 |
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| Species ID | 2773 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
