Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Myrtaceae

Genus:

Melaleuca

Species:

Melaleuca quinquenervia

USDA Symbol:

MEQU

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

2500 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

white, cream

Reported Fauna Sightings

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:

Highly fire-adapted with thick papery bark that insulates cambium. Resprouts vigorously after fire and can release seeds from capsules post-burn.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

poor, sandy, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Often found in swampy areas and wetlands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds are very fine and require light for germination. Surface sow on moist medium.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI