Melaleuca lanceolata

Melaleuca lanceolata, commonly known as the Moonah Tree, is a distinctive evergreen tree or large shrub native to the coastal regions of Australia. This unique and hardy tree belongs to the Myrtaceae family and is prized for its striking features, making it a valuable choice for coastal landscapes, gardens, and habitat restoration projects.

Common Name: Moonah Tree
Mature Height (meters): Typically grows to a height of 4-10 meters, forming a dense and bushy canopy.
Mature Width (meters): Spreads to approximately 3-6 meters, creating a lush and dense foliage cover.
Spacing: Plant with adequate spacing to allow for the tree's mature size and to optimize its dense growth habit.
Leaves: The leaves of Melaleuca lanceolata are narrow, lance-shaped, and aromatic when crushed. They are typically dark green and provide an attractive backdrop to its unique features.
Bark: The bark of the Moonah Tree is distinctive, with a flaky and papery texture. It often peels away in layers, revealing lighter-colored bark beneath.
Flowers: The tree produces clusters of small, cylindrical, and bottlebrush-like flowers that are typically white, cream, or pale pink. These flowers are abundant and attract pollinators like bees and nectar-feeding birds.
Form/Habit: Melaleuca lanceolata has a naturally dense and bushy growth habit, making it an excellent choice for coastal landscapes, windbreaks, and as a screen plant.
Sun: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it adaptable to various lighting conditions.
Maintenance: Low maintenance; minimal pruning is required to maintain its natural form and remove dead or diseased branches.
Water Requirement: While it prefers regular moisture, it can tolerate periods of drought once established, making it suitable for coastal regions with varying rainfall.