Yarra Ranges Shire Council

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Melaleuca squarrosa

Common Name: Scented Paperbark
Synonym:
Family: Myrtaceae
Size: 2-5m x 1-2m
Description: Upright, open to compact shrub, rarely a small tree to 10m. Papery to corky bark, rough on older stems.
Leaves: Leaves paired, each pair at right angles to next, egg-shaped, pointed tip, 5-7 veins, dotted with glands below, 5-12mm x 3-7mm.
Flowering: Terminal spike of perfumed flowers to 5cm long. Capsules persistent, wrinkled.
Flower Colour: Pale yellow
Flowering Time: September to February
Growing Conditions: Moist to wet swampy soils. Frost tolerant. Full sun, semi shade.
Garden Use: An attractive shrub with wafting perfume. Requires summer moisture to achieve full size. Pruning beneficial.
Related Species:
Plant Communities: 5, 12, 13, 15, 22, 30, 33, 36, 41
Conservation Status: Locally common within its preferred growing conditions
Aboriginal Use: Paper bark - wrapping for babies, blankets, bandages, roofing; food - nectar
Commercially available: Australian plant & indigenous nurseries
Bird Attracting: Nectar, insects
Butterfly Attracting: Nectar for butterflies
Frog Habitat: No
Photographer: 1 Shire of Yarra Ranges photo library; 2, 3 Peter Kinchington; 4 Marilyn Gray ©
Photo montage - default
Last Updated: 30/06/2010
Yarra Ranges Shire Council © 2009
P O Box 105, Anderson Street, Lilydale, VIC 3140
Tel: 1300 368 333 Fax: 9735 4249
mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au