Melaleuca chisholmii

previously Callistemon chisholmii

Myrtaceae  

Form and Size: A medium, slender, sparse shrub, 2-4m high, with an open growth habit. 

Distribution: Central-western and northern Qld.; along stream banks in sandstone country.

Leaves: Narrow lance-shaped, sometimes slightly sickle-shaped, leathery, dark green, sharply pointed, 5-10cm x 0.4-0.7cm.

Bark: Brown, fibrous.

Flowers: Red, dense; borne in spikes 6-8cm x 2-3cm.

Flowering Period: May to August.

Fruit: Capsules, cylindrical, sunken centre, retained on the stem for a long period.

Cultivation/Notes: Propagate from cuttings for best results. A hardy species, which is suited to drier inland areas, although it grows well in dry coastal areas such as Townsville.