Melaleuca linearis
Common name
bottlebrush
Synonyms
Callistemon rigidus R.Br.
Family
Myrtaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Exotic
Structural class
Trees & Shrubs - Dicotyledons
NVS code
The National Vegetation Survey (NVS) Databank is a physical archive and electronic databank containing records of over 94,000 vegetation survey plots - including data from over 19,000 permanent plots. NVS maintains a standard set of species code abbreviations that correspond to standard scientific plant names from the Ngä Tipu o Aotearoa - New Zealand Plants database.
CALRIG
Conservation status
Not applicable
Habitat
Terrestrial.
Detailed description
Small to medium shrub. Young shoots covered with silky hairs. Leaves up to 11cm x 4 mm, narrow linear, bearing numerous small dots, vein forming rigid margins. Deep red flowers in spikes.
Manaaki Whenua Online Interactive Key
Similar taxa
Can be distinguished from widely cultivated C. citrinis by the narrower leaves and the veins forming ridges.
Flowering
October, November, December, January, February
Flower colours
Red/Pink
Threats
This taxon may be prone to Myrtle Rust (Austropuccinia psidii) is an invasive fungus which threatens myrtle species - learn more myrtlerust.org.nz
Year naturalised
1982
Origin
Australia: NSW.
Reason for introduction
Ornamental
Etymology
linearis: Linear (leaves)