Melaleuca LANCEOLATA

Melaleuca LANCEOLATA - Moonah, Black Paperbark, Black Tea Tree, Melaleuca lanceolata.

Can be grown in bonsai style!

Melaleuca is a large genus in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae), numbering according to various classifications from 220 to more than 300 species of evergreen shrubs and trees distributed primarily in Australia, as well as in Malesia and New Caledonia. The greatest diversity of species is concentrated in the southwestern part of Western Australia. Members of the genus inhabit an extremely wide range of habitats - from swampy lowlands and watercourse banks to nutrient-poor sandy soils, salt flat edges, and rocky plateaus. Many species are adapted to regular wildfires and resprout from epicormic buds or lignotubers.

All melaleucas are evergreen. Leaves range from scale-like to large, usually with translucent oil glands that impart a characteristic fragrance when crushed. Flowers are small, gathered in spikes or heads resembling a bottle brush; ornamental appeal is provided by numerous brightly colored stamens united in bundles. Fruits are woody capsules, often remaining on stems for years and opening in response to fire or the death of the plant. The genus is closely related to Callistemon, which differs in having free (not bundled) stamens.

Moonah grows as a shrub or tree from 2 to 10 m (6.6 to 33 ft) in height. The plant is characterized by a trunk and branches that droop when young, with rough bark. Opposite linear or elliptic leaves, acute at the tip, reach 0.5-1.5 cm (0.2-0.6 in) in length and up to 3 mm (0.1 in) in width. It flowers with spike inflorescences 2-4 cm (0.8-1.6 in) long consisting of white flowers with oval petals 2.5 mm long, with stamens arranged in bundles of 8-14. After flowering, round fruits up to 5 mm (0.2 in) in diameter appear.

Melaleuca seeds are small and light-colored. Before sowing, using growth stimulants (SUPERthrive, HB-101, Aminosol, Epin, or Zircon) is recommended. Stratification and scarification are not required.

Sowing is performed year-round in a loose, well-drained substrate. Seeds require light for germination and are scattered on the substrate surface without burying - if necessary, lightly sprinkled with sifted sand to secure them. Sowings are moistened with a spray bottle and maintained at 20-25 °C (68-77 °F) in partial shade. The substrate is kept constantly moist without waterlogging. Daily ventilation is mandatory.

Seedlings emerge in 14-42 days; the minimum period is about 14 days under optimal conditions, and the maximum possible is up to 6 weeks. Seeds can remain dormant until suitable conditions arise. After germination, the cover is removed gradually, and the substrate is kept slightly moist. Pricking out is performed after 3-4 true leaves form - into separate small pots with drained substrate, preserving the root ball.

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Melaleuca is grown in full sunlight or light partial shade; under insufficient light, flowering weakens. It tolerates open sites with strong winds well. Positioning in sunny spots reduces fungal risk under conditions of moderate air humidity.

The optimal temperature during active growth is 15-28 °C (59-82 °F). Mature plants tolerate light short-term frosts down to -3 to -5 °C (23 to 27 °F); young specimens are more sensitive. In temperate climates, it requires protection or wintering in a cool place at 5-10 °C (41-50 °F). High summer humidity combined with heat stresses the plant and provokes fungal diseases.

Watering is moderate - the substrate is kept evenly moist during active growth, but without prolonged waterlogging. Use soft, room-temperature water. Excess water is drained from the drip tray after watering. Young plants require more frequent watering until established; established mature specimens are drought-tolerant. Air humidity should be moderate. Leaf misting is not required.

Use a very loose, well-drained substrate, preferably with an acidic or neutral pH: a mix of cactus substrate or potting mix with coarse sand or perlite (1/3 part). It grows well on limestone and granite soils. The pot must have drainage holes with a drainage layer at the bottom. Repotting is carried out in spring once every 2-3 years. Fertilizers are applied once a year in spring using a slow-release fertilizer for Australian plants or an all-purpose one low in phosphorus - high phosphorus doses are toxic to most Australian Myrtaceae. After flowering, light formative pruning is carried out to encourage bushiness and maintain a compact shape.

Semi-hardwood cuttings 8-12 cm (3-5 in) long are taken in late summer to early autumn, lower leaves are removed, cuttings are cured for a few hours, and planted in a perlite-peat mix at 20-22 °C (68-72 °F). Rooting occurs in 4-8 weeks.