Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah / Rottnest Island Tea Tree / Black Paperbark)

Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah / Rottnest Island Tea Tree / Black Paperbark)

Melaleuca lanceolata is a dense shrub to small tree with a strong coastal identity in south-west Western Australia. Along Geographe Bay and the northern Cape Naturaliste coastline, constant wind and salt exposure often shape it into a low, compact, bonsai-like form, with gnarled branching and a tightly held canopy.

The foliage is narrow, aromatic, and densely arranged, creating a solid, textured mass that provides excellent shelter and wind buffering. As the plant matures, the bark darkens and becomes layered and fibrous, reinforcing its aged, sculptural appearance.

Flowering is subtle, with pale cream blooms appearing along the stems through the warmer months, supporting insect life without detracting from the plant’s form.

While this bonsai-like habit develops naturally in exposed coastal conditions, a similar wind-shaped form can be deliberately replicated through selective pruning in more sheltered sites. This allows the plant’s compact, sculptural character to be maintained or encouraged in garden and landscape settings.

Exceptionally tough, Moonah tolerates salt spray, strong winds, alkaline and limestone soils, and extended dry periods once established. It performs reliably in coastal, urban, and rural plantings where structure, shelter, and longevity are priorities.

Key points

• Australian native species with a strong coastal presence in the Geographe Bay–Cape Naturaliste region

• Naturally forms a compact, bonsai-like habit in exposed conditions

• Wind-shaped form can be replicated through pruning

• Propagated from seed to promote genetic diversity, supporting resilience and ecosystem function

• Excellent wind and dust suppression; highly tolerant of coastal exposure

Supplied as healthy, mature plants.