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 scabra is a small shrub to about 1 metre high by a similar width. The small leaves are linear in shape, usually terete (rounded) in cross section and about 10-20 mm long. Flowers occur in massed, globular-shaped heads about 15-25 mm in diameter. They are deep pink in colour and are usually seen in spring. The flowers are followed by globular seed capsules.

Many species that are native to the south-west of Australia can be difficult to maintain for long periods in more humid areas of the east coast and M.scabra is no exception. In eastern Australia, it is best suited to areas west of the Great Dividing Range and is very difficult to establish in sub-tropical and tropical climates. It requires a well drained, sunny position and should be tolerant of at least moderate frost.

Propagation is easy from both seed and cuttings.