Melaleuca viridiflora

Broad-leaved Paperbark

Myrtaceae

Form and Size: A small erect or straggly tree, 3-10m high.

Distribution: Across northern tropical Australia; along streams, in swampy areas, and often in dense stands in open woodlands.

Leaves: Broad, oval, flat, stiff, thick, smooth, dull dark green, 5-7 longitudinal veins, 7-19cm x 2.5-5.5cm; new growth hairy, pink to mauve.

Bark: grey to cream, fibrous, papery layers.

Flowers: Cream or greenish-cream, occasionally red or pink; borne on dense cylindrical spikes 5-10cm x 4-6cm, carried in groups of 1-4.

Flowering Period: November to June.

Fruit:  Capsules, woody, 0.3-0.5cm x 0.4- 0.6cm.

Cultivation/Notes:  Propagate from seed. Adaptable to a wide range of soils and conditions, but does well on heavy clays which are waterlogged in the wet.