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Image Credit: Anna Povey – with permission
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Image Credit: Anna Povey – with permission
Scientific Name: Melaleuca ericifolia
Common Name: coast paperbark
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Myrtaceae
Form Description: Tall shrub or small tree.
Height (m): 4 – 8
Flowers: Creamy white in spikes.
Fruit: Woody capsule 2.5-3.6 mm long
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Withstands severe coastal conditions and is moderately frost hardy. Occurs as a dominant of forest and scrub in poorly drained areas with moderately fertile soil. It also extends as an understorey species in eucalypt forest.
Site Tolerance
Exposed, Moist, Shady, Waterlogged, Windy
Soil Tolerance
Clay, Fertile, Poorly-drained
Frost Tolerance
Hardy
General Notes
Recommended for wet areas and as a second-line windbreak in coastal conditions. Will take salt exposure but needs protection of front-line plants. Slightly frost tender when young. Will accept most soils and aspects. Good for shady areas. Bird attracting. Bee attracting. Susceptible to browsing by possums and wallabies.
Propagation Calendar
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Flowering Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Seed Collecting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Sowing Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Cutting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed Information
Seed Collection
Seed persistent.
Seed Treatment Method
Smoke Smoke treatment improves germination in some species. Smokey products, e.g. smokey vermiculite, can be purchased and applied to the sown seed, or sown seeds can be treated directly with smoke from a source such as a drum with a fire and hose.
Seed Storage Life
Long
Seed Treatment Notes
Untreated seed has good results but smoke significantly increases germination. Very fine seed which needs light.
Germination Time
2-5 weeks