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Description
Melaleuca Hypericifolia, commonly known as the hillock bush or red flowering tea tree, is a shrub that belongs to the family Myrtaceae. It is native to Australia and can grow up to 4 meters in height.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Genus | Melaleuca |
Appearance
The Melaleuca Hypericifolia has thin, elongated leaves that are about 10 cm long and 1 cm wide. The leaves are dark green on the upper surface and pale green on the lower surface. It produces red or pink flowers that bloom in clusters during late spring and summer, and these flowers can be up to 2.5 cm in diameter.
Care Guide
Melaleuca Hypericifolia is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It can tolerate a range of soil types and pH levels, but it prefers well-draining soils. It can also tolerate drought conditions, but it should be watered regularly during the first year of growth to establish a healthy root system. It is recommended to fertilize the plant with a slow-release fertilizer once a year in spring.
It prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate temperatures as low as -7°C. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Melaleuca Hypericifolia is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as root rot and leaf spot if the plant is overwatered or if the soil is poorly-draining. It can also be affected by scale insects, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Melaleuca Hypericifolia is native to Australia and is commonly found in open forests, woodlands, and heathlands. It can also be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Melaleuca Hypericifolia a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, it is a hardy plant that requires minimal care and is a good choice for beginners.
Q: Can Melaleuca Hypericifolia be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers but it may require more frequent watering and fertilization.
Q: Can Melaleuca Hypericifolia be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, it can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer.
Q: Does Melaleuca Hypericifolia attract bees?
A: Yes, it is a good source of nectar for bees and other pollinators.
Related Plants
- Melaleuca Alternifolia
- Melaleuca Ericifolia
- Melaleuca Quinquenervia
References
- “Melaleuca hypericifolia.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia), 2021, https://anpsa.org.au/m-hyp.html.
- “Melaleuca hypericifolia.” Florabank, 2021, https://www.florabank.org.au/lucid/key/Species%20Navigator/media/html/Melaleuca_hypericifolia.htm.
- “Melaleuca hypericifolia.” PlantNET, 2021, http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Melaleuca~hypericifolia.
