Melaleuca linariifoliaflax-leaved paperbark. Two long blocks along Masonic Avenue in Albany, California are planted with these trees. They are striking in late spring when in bloom. Melaleuca linariifolia is native to New South Wales and Queensland in Australia. The trees are widely planted in their homeland as an ornamental. The picture shows that the species thrives in Albany. Photographed in Albany, CA.
Description: Melaleuca linariifolia Tree to 10m- white flowers in fluffy spike. Melaleucas (paperbark or tea-trees) give me a bad time. I found some species very similar, so difficult to ID, and a lot of confusion in Web and with common names. These small tree is Melaleuca linariifolia as I think. (Though the flowering period is not fully match) It has a similar flower structure like M. alternifolia (famous one as the source of tea-tree oil ). However, as an expert told me, M. alternifolia has narrower leaves that are mostly alternate, whereas leaves of M. linariifolia are mostly opposite-paired, as I can see on this tree. Also I think M. alternifolia is smaller - up to 3m only. Sorry, I had to use flash for this shot, as it was late evening. Date: 11 October 2009, 17:35. Source: Melaleuca - 'Snow in Summer' Uploaded by berichard. Author: Tatiana Gerus from Brisbane, Australia.