Weeping bottlebrush

Weeping bottlebrush

Callistemon viminalis

Common Name:

Weeping bottlebrush

Scientific Name:

Callistemon viminalis


Alternative common names:

Weeping bottlebrush

Description:

Callistemon viminal is Weeping bottlebrush (formerly Melaleucaviminalis, also known asWeeping Bottlebrush, is a shrub or small tree in the family Myrtaceae. It is native to the states of New Sotuh Wales and Queensland in Australia where it often occurs along watercourses. It grows up to 8 metres in height and has pendent branches with leaves which are 3 to 7 cm long and 3 to 7 mm in width. The bright red flower spikes, which are 4 to 10 cm in length and about 3 to 6 cm in diameter, occur between spring and summer.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

North America

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

NEMBA Category 1b in Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.3 in Free State, Gauteng, North West, Northern Cape and Western Cape.

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, Free State, Gauteng, North West, Northern Cape and Western Cape.

How does it spread?

By birds, wind human activity and animals

Why is it a problem?

Out-competes indigenous plant species

What does it look like?

Leaves: Oil dots numerous and conspicuous, almost touching one another. Leaf blades about 5.5-10 x 6-13 mm.

Flowers: Individual flowers sessile and arranged in fairly compact spikes about 7-8 cm long, with the staminal filaments projecting at right angles to the inflorescence so that the whole structure resembles a red bottle-brush. Petals about 4-6 mm long.

Fruit/seeds: Seeds small, about 1-1.5 mm long. Cotyledons folded once and rolled lengthways

Does the plant have any uses?

: Privacy screen near a pool cage or patio accent near the house single specimen for the yard lining a property border as a "hedge" or spaced as accents

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