28 University of California Publications in Botany. IT OL - 4 



slender twigs and very narrow leaves. M. hypericifolia is more 

 spreading than either of these, has recurved branches, brilliant 

 red flowers in large clusters, broad leaves, and never attains a 

 great height. For formal planting M. linariifolia will be found 

 more suitable, the branches being more nearly erect, more rigid, 

 and with straight firm leaves of a light-green color. M. styphe- 

 lioides and M. Huegelii are also formal in their effect and are of 

 a darker green. 



Of the arboreous species, M. leucadendron is in the lead and 

 is perhaps the only one to be considered for avenue planting. 

 M. armillaris grows sufficiently high, at least in the south and 

 when left unpruned, to make a shade for arbors and walks. 

 M. nesophila and M. ericifolia are also tree-like, the former being 

 especially good where a mass of ordinary foliage is desired. 



As a chaparral covering for our foothills, M. nesophila, M. 

 decussata, and M. styphelioides are recommended. 



Members' of this genus are more resistant to alkali than are 

 most plants. In Australia M. ericifolia and other species are 

 used for fixing muddy shores where the water is strongly saline 

 and M. leucadendron is planted in salt swamps where no Euca- 

 -lypt will live, being protected by its thick, corky bark. The 

 thick-barked M. nesophila and M. styphelioides could also be 

 used in these situations, the former being the most promising 

 because of its great hardiness and rapidity of growth. Seed- 

 lings should never be transplanted to saline soil until they have 

 developed a good root system and are protected by well-formed 

 bark. 



The methods of propagation are the same as given for Calli- 

 stemons. 



Key to the Species of Melaleuca grown in California. 

 A. Inflorescence a cylindric spike. 



Flowers red or scarlet: stamens % in. or more long (except in no. 4). 

 Leaves opposite: stamen-claw very long. 



Midrib prominent; leaves % to % in. wide 1. M. hypericifolia. 



Midrib obscure; leaves linear 2. M. fulgens. 



Leaves alternate, narrow. 



Stamens about % in. long, the claws very short: leaves obscurely 



1-nerved or nerveless 3. M. lateritia. 



Stamens about % in. long: upper leaves striate with 7 or more 

 nerves 4. M. genisti folia. 



