Melaleuca bracteata aka Black Teatree

Melaleuca bracteata belongs to the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Common names include river teatree and black tea tree. This evergreen shrub or small tree comes from Australia. Its range spans Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales. It grows beside streams, rivers and waterholes. In dry areas, it may grow only along watercourses. Elsewhere, it occurs on hills, rough ground and plains.

The plant has a bushy form and keeps its leaves year-round. Garden references give heights of about 20–26 feet (6–8 m). A broader account gives 7–49 feet (2–15 m), with rare trees reaching 66 feet (20 m). Bees and other insects pollinate its flowers. Each flower has both male and female organs. Seeds take about a year to mature on the plant. They develop in woody capsules.

Give this plant full sun for best growth. One source allows light shade; another rules out shade. It prefers moist soil that drains well but holds some water. Sandy, loamy and clay soils can suit it. Medium to heavy soils give the best results in one account. Use mildly acid to neutral soil without lime. Sources favour fertile soil but advise against high nitrogen levels. It can also grow in wet ground in hot, fairly dry regions. It tolerates moderate salt levels in the soil.

Cold tolerance depends on growth stage and climate. One account gives about 23°F (−5°C) for dormant plants. New growth may suffer severe harm at 30°F (−1°C). Another reports survival at 19°F (−7°C) in Australian gardens. This does not prove equal hardiness in Britain. Cooler summers and long, wet winters may limit outdoor success there. Protect young plants from cold during their first winters. Seedlings can suffer damping off, so clean conditions and airflow matter.

Gardeners grow this species as an ornamental, including on sunny woodland edges. It also has a role in soil conservation projects. People harvest wild plants for wood, medicine and essential oil. Oil from fresh leaves and twigs has antiseptic uses. Leaf oil also boosts the action of insecticides. The sources list no known edible uses or hazards. That does not establish safety for people or pets. Reports disagree on weed potential, so neither supports a firm overall rating.