Image – Flickr / Alpha
The Melaleuca alternifolia It is a very interesting shrub or tree to achieve privacy in a certain area of the garden or in the patio. Although it is not advisable to put it next to a pool (more because of the leaves that fall than because of its roots), it would look great as a medium-high hedge bordering all or part of the site.
Like its sisters, it is a plant that resists drought very well, as well as weak frosts. But as if that weren’t enough, it has very, very interesting medicinal properties.
Origin and characteristics of Melaleuca alternifolia
Known as narrow-leaved tea tree (not to be confused with the Camellia sinensiswhich is the bush with which tea is made), It is a shrub or tree plant that reaches 5 meters in height native to the north coast of New South Wales (Australia). The crown is highly branched, so it is very dense, and is composed of linear leaves, 10-35mm long by 1mm wide, which give off a very pleasant aroma.
The flowers grow in spikes 3 to 5cm long, and are white. The fruit is small, rounded, and woody, measuring 2-3mm in diameter when ripe. The seeds are equally small, and black.
What are the care it requires?
If you want to have a copy, we recommend you take care of it as follows:
Location
The narrow-leaved tea tree must be abroadideally in full sun although it can grow well in partial shade.
Due to its characteristics, it is necessary to leave a separation of at least one meter between the floor and walls, walls, etc. since this way it will be achieved that it has a better development.
Earth
- Flower pot: you can fill it with universal substrate for plants (on sale here!).
- the garden: not demanding, as long as it has good drainage.
Irrigation
It will depend on where you have it:
- Flower pot: during the summer water an average of 2 or 3 times a week, but the rest of the year with one or two a week you will have enough.
- the garden: with 2 or 3 waterings a week the first year that it is planted in the ground will be enough. From the second year on, if a minimum of 350mm of annual precipitation falls, you will be able to space out the irrigations.
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During all the warm months of the year it will be highly advisable to pay it from time to timefor example with guano which is a natural product (seabird manure) rich in nutrients, or if you prefer you can opt for a compost such as blue manure (for sale here!).
Regardless of which one you use, follow the instructions specified on the product’s packaging since the risk of overdose is high (yes, also if you use guano, as it is so concentrated that adding more than necessary would burn the roots 😉).
Multiplication
Image – Wikimedia / Geoff Derrin
The Melaleuca alternifolia multiplies by seeds in spring. To achieve a higher percentage of success, we recommend first introducing them in a glass of water for 24 hours, and then sowing them in a seedling tray or plastic pot with specific substrate (for sale here!).
Bury them a little bit, enough so that the wind can’t blow them away, and then sprinkle with sulfur (for sale here!) to prevent fungi and, consequently, also the dreaded damping-off or stem rot of seedlings.
Related article:
Damping-off or death of seedlings: how to prevent it?
Once watered, place the seedbed outside, in semi-shade. Thus, and keeping the substrate moist but not flooded, they will germinate in about two weeks.
Pruning
It is advised not to prune. It is a shrub that by itself takes on a very pretty shape. However, you can remove the branches that come out of the trunk if you want it to be more like a tree, as well as those that are dry, weak or broken in autumn or late winter.
Planting or transplanting time
Whether you want it to start decorating your garden or if it needs a transplant, you have to wait until spring arrives to plant it. When temperatures rise above 15ºC, the ideal moment will have arrived.
Plagues and diseases
It is very resistant to common pests and diseases.
Rusticity
The Melaleuca alternifolia it resists frosts down to -7ºC.
What uses is it given?
Ornamental
It is a very decorative species, highly recommended for low maintenance gardens or for those balconies or patios that “urgently” need some shade. It grows at a good pace, and as it does not have pests or diseases, just by watering it and fertilizing it you will get a beautiful little tree or shrub.
Medicinal
Narrow-leaved tea tree essential oil is antiseptic, antifungal, antibiotic and healing. You can also relieve mild throat and mouth discomfort by gargling with a few drops of the product diluted in water.
Side effects of narrow-leaved tea tree essential oil
In low doses it is toxic to both children and pets. The symptoms are:
- ataxia
- dizziness
- nausea
- disorientation
- allergy
- coma in severe cases
Its use is only recommended in adults, and only if it is on the skin and hair, and in small doses for a short period of time.
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