Melaleuca lanceolataCommon name: Rottnest Teatree

Meaning of name: Melaleuca is from the Greek words melas, meaning black, and leucos, meaning white. It refers to the black trunk and white branches of some Asian species. Lanceolata is from the Latin word lanceolatus, meaning shaped like a lance-head. Botanically it means narrow with curved sides tapering to a point.

Aboriginal name: Moonah.

Aboriginal use: The leaves were used to relieve congestion and to treat aches and pains.

Distribution: Occurs from Dirk Hartog Island to the South Australian border.

Remarks: A tree to 5 metres tall. The white flowers are produced from October to March.

References: Western Australian Plant Names and their Meanings, a Glossary. FA Sharr. 1996.
Flora of the Perth Region. NG Marchant, JR Wheeler, BL Rye, EM Bennett, NS Lander, TD Macfarlane. 1987.

Noongar Bush Medicine, Medicinal Plants of the South-west of Western Australia. Vivienne Hansen & John Horsfall. 2016