Family:

Myrtaceae

Melaleuca lanceolata

Moonah

Other Names: Black Tea-tree, Dryland Tea-tree, Rottnest Tea-tree, Western Tea-tree.

Regional Subspecies:

n/a

Habit:

Shrub to small tree, up to 7 m high, with a dull green, domed canopy and finely cracked, rough, grey-brown bark. White-cream flowers (Dec-Feb).

Habitat & Site Preference:

Found in mallee in the south-west and east, and in yellow box communities in the south. Tolerates most soils, including swampy, saline, and calcareous ones. In hotter areas, it prefers dry, rocky sites. Prefers 250 to 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina region.

Seed Collection & Propagation:

Pick and dry previous years capsules to release seed, refrigerate 1-2 weeks before sowing Tolerates moderate to heavy frost and saline conditions. Very hardy. Available from general nurseries.

Values & Uses:

Provides excellent low shelter and is good for honey production.