椭圆叶白千层的养殖与栽培技术(图)
植物别名：
拉 丁 名：
Melaleuca elliptica
所属科属：
桃金娘科 白千层属
分布地区：
形态特征：
常绿灌木。冠圆丘状。叶长，革质，常灰绿色。穗状花序，顶生，花密集，红色雄蕊组成刷子状，春夏开放。
生长习性：
栽培繁育：
景观用途：
其 他：
Melaleuca elliptica, commonly known as the Granite Honey Myrtle, occurs in the southern part of Western Australia and ranges from Esperance in the east to the Stirling Ranges and then northward to Sharks Bay. It is usually found in full sun on outcropping granite.
In cultivation M. elliptica forms a medium to large, erect shrub 2-3 m high and 1.5-2 m broad, with intricate branching. The foliage is grey-green, with elliptical leaves 15 mm wide by 12 mm long. If grown in a frosty area, the leaves develop a purplish tint.
Flowering in spring, summer and autumn with a peak around December in Canberra, M. elliptica produces large, deep-red bottle-brush flowers to 8 cm long. As with many red-flowering plants, the flowers of M. elliptica are attractive to birds. The large flowers which are usually borne on old wood may be obscured by dense foliage but judicious pruning allows them to be displayed to advantage.
Melaleuca elliptica grows best in a fair- to well-drained site but is adaptable to poorly drained areas. Some plants at the Australian National Botanic Gardens, growing in heavy clay with moderately poor drainage, are only slightly smaller in stature than those growing on a steep, stony slope. Very wet areas should be avoided. If planted in a shady position or crowded by other plants a poor, straggly bush will result. An open sunny aspect is best.
Melaleuca elliptica can withstand salt winds in dry coastal areas and makes a good screen against salt spray. No pests or diseases have been reported at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
Propagation is best from seed sown in spring, although cuttings taken in late summer are also successful.
