Scientific Name: Melaleuca virens Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region
Common Name: prickly bottlebrush
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Myrtaceae
Form Description: Erect or spreading shrub.
Height (m): 1 – 2
Flowers: Flower spikes pale yellow or greenish yellow.
Fruit: Woody capsule – turn from green to grey brown and develop distinct valves when mature. Very fine seed which has very high viability. Seed usually persistent.
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Locally frequent in wet places, especially in alpine and sub-alpine habitats.
Site Tolerance
Dry, Exposed, Moist, Rocky, Shady, Windy
Soil Tolerance
Clay, Fertile, Loam, Nutrient-poor, Well-drained
Frost Tolerance
Hardy
General Notes
Valued in environmental plantings (e.g. bird attracting, bee attracting, wildlife habitat, providing valuable cover and food, erosion control and as components of windbreaks to enhance agricultural productivity), and amenity plantings. Adapts to dry situations. 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 Treatment Method
Standard Scatter seed thinly on to damp potting mix. Hold seed in place by covering with more potting mix to approximately the depth of the seed size.
Seed Storage Life
Many years
Seed Treatment Notes
Sow very shallow. Seeds may be scattered on surface if capillary watering is used.
Germination Time
2-5 weeks
Cutting & Division Information
Easily grown from tip cuttings, semi-hard wood. Mist is beneficial (or use cloche).