Black Paperbark / Rottnest Island Tea-Tree - Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah) seeds

Melaleuca lanceolata - Black Paperbark (Moonah, Rottnest Island Tea-tree)
A hardy and ornamental small tree perfect for coastal and inland landscapes.

Quick Facts

• Height: Typically grows as a small tree, suitable for gardens and streetscapes.
• Foliage: Dense and evergreen, providing excellent shade and wind protection.
• Flowers: Creamy white blooms, attracting nectar-feeding birds and insects.
• Soil: Adaptable to clay, loam, and sandy soils.
• Position: Thrives in full sun; tolerates coastal exposure and calcareous soils.
• Climate: Tolerates drought, moderate frost, salt spray, wind, and lime-rich soils.

Why Grow Melaleuca lanceolata?

Black Paperbark is a versatile and resilient tree, ideal for a variety of landscaping purposes. With its adaptability to harsh conditions and its cultural significance, it provides beauty, functionality, and a connection to Australia’s rich heritage.

Cultural Significance

Melaleuca species have been an integral part of Indigenous Australian life:

• Uses:
  • Bark and fibre were used for clothing and baby swaddling.
  • Nectar was consumed as a drink.
  • Wood and stems were crafted into tools and used for shelter construction.

Practical Applications

• Shade Tree: Dense foliage offers effective sun protection.
• Windbreak & Screen: Ideal for providing privacy and wind protection in exposed areas.
• Street & Verge Planting: Suitable for wider verges and nature strips.

Note: Per the Sewerage Act, ensure trees are planted no closer than 3.5 meters to sewer mains, connections, or pipes.

How to Grow

1. Sowing Instructions:

   • Lightly sprinkle seeds on the surface of soil; do not bury.
   • Germination is improved with smoke treatment.

2. Position:

   • Plant in a sunny location with well-drained soil.
   • Tolerates a wide range of soil textures and pH levels.

3. Care Tips:

   • Water regularly during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature.
   • Prune lightly to shape and maintain size if desired.
   • Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Uses in Your Garden

• Coastal Landscaping: Thrives in salt-laden, windy conditions, making it ideal for coastal gardens.
• Erosion Control: Helps stabilise soils in degraded or exposed areas.
• Wildlife Habitat: Attracts nectar-eating birds and insects, supporting local biodiversity.
• Ornamental Value: Elegant, creamy white flowers and dense foliage enhance visual appeal.

Germination Tips

• Timeframe: Germination occurs within 1–4 weeks.
• Light: Exposure to light may enhance germination success.
• Pre-Treatment: Smoke treatment is recommended to improve germination rates.
• Moisture: Keep soil consistently moist during germination without waterlogging.

Order Now

Grow the beauty and resilience of Melaleuca lanceolata. With its adaptability, cultural significance, and ornamental charm, Black Paperbark is a valuable addition to any landscape.

Order your Black Paperbark seeds today and grow a versatile and iconic native tree!