Bottlebrush (Callistemon, pronounced /ˌkælɨˈstiːmən/)[1] is a genus of 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.
The flower spikes of bottlebrushes form in spring and summer and are made up of a number of individual flowers. The pollen of the flower forms on the tip of a long coloured stalk called a filament. It is these filaments which give the flower spike its colour and distinctive 'bottlebrush' shape. The filaments are usually yellow or red, sometimes the pollen also adds a bright yellow flush to the flower spikes. [ drawing web view or PDF to print ] Each flower produces a small woody fruit containing hundreds of tiny seeds. These fruits form in clusters along the stem, and are usually held on the plant for many years. The seeds are usually not released from the fruits for several years, but in some species the fruits open after about a year. Fire also stimulates the opening of the fruits in some bottlebrushes. The new leaves of many bottlebrushes are very ornamental. The leaves are often coloured and, in some species, they are covered with fine, soft hairs.
genus of shrubs and trees, of the family Myrtaceae, native to Australia. They have spikes of showy flowers and are commonly called bottlebrushes. The plants are often cultivated outdoors in western North America and in colder regions in greenhouses. C. lanceolatus (sometimes C. citrinus), one of the most commonly cultivated species, grows from 3 to 6 m (10 to 20 feet) tall and has...
genus of shrubs and trees, of the family Myrtaceae, native to Australia. They have spikes of showy flowers and are commonly called bottlebrushes. The plants are often cultivated outdoors in western North America and in colder regions in greenhouses. C. lanceolatus (sometimes C. citrinus), one of the most commonly cultivated species, grows from 3 to 6 m (10 to 20 feet) tall and has...
.jpg "bottlebrush plant")
