MELALEUCA alternifolia

Melaleuca alternifolia is notable for its essential oil which is both anti-fungal and antibiotic and is marketed as Tea Tree Oil.

An attractive small tree with a papery barked trunk that peels in stirps that produces a spectacular displays of white flowers that occur in dense terminal heads from spring to early summer.

Endemic to New South Wales and Queensland.

Prefers a heavy moist soil in a protected partially shaded position, drought and frost resistant.

Grow notes:

Seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn in temperate climates, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-22°C

1. Sow on surface of the growing mix.
2. Press lightly into surface. Do not bury the seed.
3. Keep warm & moist, avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.
4. Germination generally occurs in around 14-28 days in the right condition.

Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, natives will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.