PINK MELALEUCA
Melaleuca nesophila
FAMILY Myrtaceae
SYNONYMS
Myrtoleucodendron nesophyllum
ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES
SHOWY HONEY-MYRTLE
MAUVE HONEY MYRTLE
See: all Melaleuca
GENERAL INFO
Pink Melaleuca is an unusual and picturesque shrub or small flowering accent tree, usually multi-trunked or low branching. It blooms best in full sun, tolerates coastal salt spray, desert heat and rocky soils, and requires little watering.
Native range: Western AustraliaHorticultural use: Riparian or Screen or HedgedSchoolyard Use: This tree has thick, spongy bark that can be used to discuss bark texture and its role in protecting the tree. Its small, needle-like leaves are evergreen, making it a good example for lessons on plant adaptations to dry climates. The tree produces clusters of purple or pink flowers, which can attract pollinators and provide a practical way to study pollination and plant reproduction. The flowers and leaves can be collected for art projects or botanical studies.
Native range: Western AustraliaHorticultural use: Riparian or Screen or HedgedSchoolyard Use: This tree has thick, spongy bark that can be used to discuss bark texture and its role in protecting the tree. Its small, needle-like leaves are evergreen, making it a good example for lessons on plant adaptations to dry climates. The tree produces clusters of purple or pink flowers, which can attract pollinators and provide a practical way to study pollination and plant reproduction. The flowers and leaves can be collected for art projects or botanical studies.
TREE CHARACTERISTICS
Tree Shape: RoundedMaximum Tree Height: 30 feetCanopy Width: 15-30 feetGrowth Rate: ~36 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Opposite, SimpleLeaf Shape: LinearLeaf color: Bluish Green or Silver or Gray GreenFlowers: ShowyFlower Color: Lavender or Rose or White or YellowFlower Time: Fall, Winter, Spring or SummerFruit: Small Brown or Gray CapsuleFruiting time: Fall, Spring or SummerFruit Value: Wildlife use itBark Color: Striking Light Green, FissuredLitter Type: Dry Fruit
SITE CONDITIONS
Recommended Planting Area: 4' to 7'Schoolyard Trees: YesWater Use Rating: LowSunset Climate Zone: 13, 16 - 24, H1Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 9, 10, 11Soil Texture: Loam or Sand or ClaySoil pH: Slightly Acidic to Very AlkalineSalt Tolerance: High
CONSIDERATIONS
Branch Strength: MediumRoot Damage Potential: LowPotential health issues: No known hazardsWildlife interactions: Attracts birdsDisease and Pest susceptibility: Phytophthora, Root RotUtility Friendly: NoWCISA Appraisal: Suggested LCANT 24" box, Group 2, Approx. cross sectional area 2.24 sq. in.
External Resources
CITE THIS TREE
"SelecTree. UFEI. "Melaleuca nesophila Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal
Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on Jul 16, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/932 >
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/932 >
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