Melaleuca tamariscina subspecies irbyana

A member of the family Myrtaceae.

A terrestrial shrub or tree to a maximum of 8 metres tall (often much less). Flowers are white to cream, on a terminal, spike-like inflorescence, but later growth continues on main axis during spring and summer. Fruit, which is a capsule, dehiscing with age, ripen throughout the year. The plant is most likely to be dispersed by water and wind.

The elliptic to ovate leaves are simple, have an alternate presentation on the stem, and are green above and below. New growth is green to pink or red. Leaf margins are entire. Glands are present as oil-dots in the leaves. The plant is scented in the foliage.

Habitats: May be found in the following habitats: dry sclerophyll forests, grassy forests, riparian areas,

No particular geology is favoured, with no particular soils preferred.

Distribution: For the region considered by this work, it is recorded within the following botanical regions: North Coast. Actual distribution limits with respect to the whole of New South Wales include Coutt's Crossing (Grafton) to the south and Queensland to the north. With respect to northern New South Wales, the eastern limit is the coast, and west to the ranges. The plants occur at any altitude.

Within a population, the individuals generally have an abundance of uncommon.

Rarity codings and significance for this species include Vulnerable in the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act.

This species is also known by the synonyms Melaleuca irbyana R.Baker.

Fire: The plant's response to fire is that it is possibly resprouting. Note that fire response in many species is untested, and if the terms 'possibly' or 'probably' are used, that relates to the most likely outcome. The response of an individual is often dependent upon the timing and intensity of the fire. Also consider that any fire is likely to interrupt reproduction in a species, so consideration of the flowering and fruiting time, and periods beforehand during flower development, are necessary in developing a suitable fire regime.

Ethnobotany: The following is a record of human use of the taxon. Flowers may be dipped in water to produce a sweet drink from the nectar, or the leaves may be used as a tea substitute, although in this species their size would make that a complicated (if interesting) process.

Propagation:
The materials recommended for propagation of the species are seeds. Generally, the plants will grow at a fast rate.


The genus text page for Melaleuca will be presented in the Genus Window if you select Melaleuca in this paragraph.
This species may be found in the 2nd volume, on page 179 of the Flora of NSW.

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