Melaleuca capitata

Melaleuca capitata

Family: Myrtaceae
Distribution: Heath and woodland in south-eastern New South Wales.
Common Name: No generally accepted common name.
Conservation Status: Not considered to be at risk in the wild.
Derivation of Name: Melaleuca…from Greek melas; black and leukos; white, referring to black marks on the white trunks of some species due to fire
capitata… From Latin caput, a head and the suffix atus, possessive of or likeness to, referring to the flowers occurring in heads.

General Description:

Melaleuca capitata is a medium shrub which usually grows to about 2 metres high by 1.5 metres wide with a densly foliaged habit of growth. The leaves are narrowly elliptical in shape, about 25 mm long , tapering to a pointed tip. The flowers occur in globular-shaped clusters about 25 mm in diameter at the ends of the branches so they are very well displayed. Flower colour is creamy yellow.

Melaleuca capitata is not widely grown, which is a pity as it is a hardy plant in a wide range of climates. It grows successfully in both light and heavy soils and appreciates regular watering. A sunny or lightly shaded aspect will produce the best flowering. Plants can be heavily pruned if necessary but regular, light pruning is preferable to maintain a bushy shape.

Propagation is easy from both seed and cuttings.