Melaleuca ericifolia

Species category

Shrub or Tree

Common name

swamp paperbark

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

Conical

Size

  • Length 1–1.4 mm
  • Width 0.3–0.5 mm
  • Thickness 0.3–0.5 mm

Color

Light brown with white base

Texture

ReticulatedReticulated:
Resembling a net or network, especially having veins, fibers, or lines crossing the surface.  

Other structures

HilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
is white and slightly diagonal to the base.

Identification notes

ApexApical:
The distal end of the fruit or seed away from the point of attachment or attachment scar.
is large and at right angle to the seed axis.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Myrtaceae

Valid name

Melaleuca ericifolia Sm.

 Melaleuca ericifolia.  Seeds with a white hilum that is slightly diagonal to the base. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
Melaleuca ericifolia. Seeds with a white hilum that is slightly diagonal to the base. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.