Melaleuca
215 species in Aust. (210 endemic); all states and territories
Shrubs or trees often with a papery bark. Leaves opposite or alternate. Flowers arranged in spikes or terminal heads; axis often continuing vegetative growth before flowering finishes. Floral tube shortly continued above the ovary. Petals white to yellow or red to purple. Stamens numerous; filaments connate into 5 bundles (claws) opposite the petals. Ovary 3-locular. Fruit a capsule.