Callistemon

Bottlebrush (Callistemon) is a genus with 34 species of shrubs in the family Myrtaceae. The majority of Callistemon species are endemic to Australia; four species are also found in New Caledonia. They are commonly referred to as bottlebrushes because of their cylindrical, brush like flowers resembling a traditional bottle brush. They are found in the more temperate regions of Australia, mostly along the east coast and south-west, and typically favour moist conditions so when planted in gardens thrive on regular watering. However, at least some of the species are drought-resistant.

Callistemons can be propagated either by cuttings (some species more easily than others), or from the rounded seeds. Flowering is normally in Spring and early Summer (October-December), but conditions may cause flowering at other times of the year. The obvious parts of the flower masses are stamens, with the pollen at the tip of the filament; the petals are inconspicuous (see picture). Flower heads vary in colour with species; most are red, but some are yellow, green, orange or white. Each flower head produces a profusion of triple-celled seed capsules around a stem (see picture) which remain on the plant with the seeds enclosed until stimulated to open when the plant dies or fire causes the release of the seeds. A few species release the seeds annually.

They are relatively slow growing though in time the larger species can grow up to 15 metres. Some are ground-hugging, and grow to only 0.5 metre. The leaves are linear to lanceolate and are not shed in the winter. The spiked ends can cause skin scratches when brushed past.

They have been grown in Europe since a specimen of Callistemon citrinus was introduced to Kew Gardens in London by Joseph Banks in 1789.

In Australia, Callistemon species are sometimes used as food plants by the larvae of hepialid moths of the genus Aenetus including A. ligniveren. These burrow horizontally into the trunk then vertically down.


Species
Callistemon citrinus, also known as Crimson Bottlebrush is a shrub in the family Myrtaceae. It is native to the states of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria in Australia, occurring in the vicinity of rocky streams and near-coastal swamps.

Callistemon comboynensis, also known as Cliff Bottlebrush, is a shrub in the family Myrtaceae. It is native to the states of Queensland and New South Wales in Australia. The species grows up to 2 metres in height and has leaves which are 5 to 7 cm long and 8 to 20 mm in width. The crimson flower spikes mainly occur between March and June (early autumn and early winter) in their native range, but may also appear irregularly throughout the year. They are 6 to 7 cm in length and around 6.5 cm in diameter. The anthers are purple.

Callistemon pallidus, also known as Lemon Bottlebrush, is a shrub in the family Myrtaceae. It is native to the states of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania in Australia.
Lemon Bottlebrush grows up to 5 metres in height and has leaves which are 3 to 7 cm long and 9 to 15 mm in width. The cream to yellow flower spikes, which are 3 to 7 cm in length and about 3.5 cm in diameter, occur between spring and summer.

Callistemon rugulosus, also known as Scarlet Bottlebrush is a shrub in the family Myrtaceae. It is native to the states of South Australia and Victoria in Australia. Scarlet Bottlebrush grows up to 4 metres in height and has stiff, sharply pointed leaves which are 3 to 5 cm long and 4 to 7 mm wide. The flower spikes are 5 to 8 cm in length and about 4 to 5 cm in diameter occur between November and February (mid spring to late summer) in their native range. The stamens are rosy-red with yellow anthers imparting a golden-speckled appearance. This species occurs in mallee scrubs and low open woodland in the northern Grampians, the Big Desert, the Little Desert, and the Mount Lofty Ranges. Within these areas it is found in sandy depressions and near watercourses in soils that are seasonally moist.

Callistemon salignus, commonly known as Willow Bottlebrush and White Bottlebrush, is an endemic Australian shrub in the family Myrtaceae. This small tree has attractive narrow foliage and white papery bark. Flowers: The bottlebrush flower-spikes flower in summer and are great for attracting birds. They are generally white, yellow or greenish, but pink, red and mauve forms can be found.
Uses:An excellent garden and street tree as they are very attractive. Used by many councils in Australia to line the nature strips.

Callistemon viminalis, also known as Weeping Bottlebrush, is a shrub or small tree in the family Myrtaceae. It is native to the states of New South Wales and Queensland in Australia where it often occurs along watercourses. Weeping Bottlebrush grows up to 8 metres in height and has pendent branches with leaves which are 3 to 7 cm long and 3 to 7 mm in width. The bright red flower spikes, which are 4 to 10 cm in length and about 3 to 6 cm in diameter occur between spring and summer.

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