This small-medium tree has attractive narrow foliage and white papery bark. Drought resistant and quite hardy, although can be affected by frost. An excellent garden and street tree to 12 m tall. Mostly grows in low-lying river flats and damp creeks, rarely in dry areas; north from the Victorian border.
A characteristic and widespread tree in remnant dry rainforest and should be planted widely. Seed easy to collect, stays on the tree for a long time but often high up.
Leaves narrow-elliptic, mostly 6-9 cm long, 5-14 mm wide, attenuate at both ends, apex acute; midrib, marginal and lateral veins distinct. New growth purplish pink.
Image: Bark
Was in some places known as Melaleuca saligna, previously thought to be a different species. The bark is as certainly papery as a Melaleuca.
With ideal conditions will grow up to 1200mm per year, and form an excellent weeping canopy within 5 years. Said to be prey to Saw Fly attack.
Image: Flowers
Flower-spikes are generally white or greenish but pink, red and mauve forms can be found. The red cultivar is called "Rubra".
Hostplant for sapsucking bug Chionaspis candida.
Image: Habit
This is a relatively small specimen compared to the giant shown above. The surrounding trees include Alphitonia, Grey Gum, Jagera, Brus Box, Guioia, Rapanea and Red Kamala.