General Description:

Melaleuca is a large genus of around 245 species.  Most are found in Australia, especially in the south-west of Western Australia, with a few also occurring in New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and south-east Asia.  Some authorities now include the genus Callistemon in Melaleuca but this classification is not universally accepted (see Melaleuca and Callistemon: Why are they Different?).

Melaleuca diosmifolia is an small to medium shrub from 1-3 metres high and 1-2 metres wide.  The leaves are oval or elliptical in shape, 4–13 mm long and 3–5 mm wide. The bottlebrush-type flower clusters are around 50 mm long by 40 mm in diameter. The flowers are yellowish green in colour and are seen in spring through to summer. These are followed by cylindrically arranged seed capsules which are persistent on the plant. The capsules contain numerous fine seeds.

M.diosmifolia has been in cultivation for many years and is hardy in well drained soils in a sunny or partially shaded location. It will tolerate light frost but can be severely damaged by heavy frost. Plants from the south-west of Western Australia often struggle in the more humid zones of eastern Australia but M.diosmifolia grows well in those areas. The plant has naturalised in some areas of southern Victoria and although there are no known records of similar naturalisation elsewhere, it may be advisable to avoid growing the plant in near-bushland areas.

Propagation is easy from both seed and cuttings.