Black tea-tree

Melaleuca lanceolata, commonly known as the “Black tea-tree” or “Moonah”, is a fascinating and hardy species native to the arid and coastal regions of southern Australia.

This small tree, which can reach 10 metres in height, is distinguished by its often twisted and sinuous appearance, reflecting its ability to adapt to harsh environmental conditions.

Its bark is a distinctive feature: rough, dark grey in colour and flaking in thin layers, similar to parchment.

The dense canopy consists of numerous prostrate branches and young whitish, tomentose twigs. The leaves are linear-elliptical and arranged alternately along the branches.

During flowering, the plant is covered with numerous white or cream-coloured flowers, which cluster at the ends of the branches in cylindrical inflorescences with leafy spikes. These flowers are a valuable source of nectar, attracting pollinating insects and nectar-feeding birds, contributing to the biodiversity of the surrounding ecosystem.

The fruits are small barrel-shaped woody capsules.

Melaleuca lanceolata is a hardy and rustic plant that thrives in sandy, naturally alkaline soils and is tolerant of harsh coastal conditions.

The specimen in the Botanical Garden of Palermo, introduced after 1810, with its 4.5 metres in height and a maximum circumference of 3 metres, is a true witness of time. Its sinuous, plagiotropic trunk tells the story of its growth and adaptation to our climate.

For the Aboriginal peoples of Australia, Melaleuca was an essential resource. Every part of the plant had a specific use:

Fibres and bark: used to make clothes, blankets and containers.

Nectar: diluted with water to create sweet and refreshing drinks.

Wood and stems: used to make hunting and working tools, including the famous boomerangs.