Cajeput Tree

Melaleuca linariifolia

Native to:
Australia

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Myrtaceae
Genus:
Melaleuca
Species:
Melaleuca linariifolia
USDA Symbol:
MELI7

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Tree
Height:
1000 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
white
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from epicormic buds after fire; papery bark is flammable but protects cambium.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, well-drained sandy loam
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers swampy areas in native habitat

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds are very fine and require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI