Melaleuca alternifolia Tea tree (Myrtaceae) Evergreen shrub

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Melaleuca alternifolia
Tea tree
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Melaleuca alternifolia plant species is found in Australia - New South Wales, Queensland. It is a member of the Myrtaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Tea tree.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Melaleuca alternifolia
Common Name:  Tea tree
Family:  Myrtaceae
Author:  Cheel.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  6   Mature Width:  4

Habitat:  Swamps by the coast[156].

Cultivation Notes: Requires a fertile, well-drained moisture retentive lime-free soil in full sun[182]. Prefers a soil that does not contain much nitrogen[188]. Plants are shade tolerant and succeed in most soils and aspects except dry conditions when they are grown in Australian gardens[157]. This species is not very cold hardy and is only likely to succeed outdoors in the very mildest parts of Britain. It tolerates temperatures down to at least -7°c in Australian gardens[157] but this cannot be translated directly to British gardens because of our cooler summers and longer colder and wetter winters. Seed takes about 12 months to develop on the plant, the woody seed capsules persist for 3 or more years[200]. Any pruning is best done after the plants have flowered with the intention of maintaining a compact habit[200]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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