Botanical Name: Melaleuca quinquenervia (M. Leucodendra)
Common Name: Cajeput Tree Type of Plant: dicot: tree Character evergreen Habit of Growth: Overall Shape an erect, mostly single-trunked tree, with short side branches forming a slender, open oval canopy; mature plant has a thick, spongy, white papery bark Height 20-40' Spread 1/4-1/2 Growth Rate moderate Environment: Exposure outdoors full sun Soil tolerates most except highly alkaline soils Hardiness some frost (zones 9, 13, 16, 17, 20-24); prefers warm coast Morphology: Leaves pinnate, alternate, elliptic-oval or oblong; 2-4" long, leathery-stiff; resemble bottlebrush leaves Flowers creamy white, 1/2"-1" diameter, with numerous stamens; in mostly terminal clusters; late spring-fall Fruit a woody capsule: 1/8" diameter, reddish-brown Propagation: seed Usage: widely used as a vertical accent (flowers, loose form, white bark); also as street tree, patio tree, background clumps Landscape Care: Watering an occasional deep soak preferred; tolerates regular if drainage is good Fertilizing as needed; suffers from iron chlorosis in wet heavy soils Pruning as needed, to maintain shape and remove dead wood Pests/Diseases relatively free Special Conditions/Other Origin: Australia Family: Myrtaceae Notes: |
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