bottlebrush tree Myrtaceae Callistemon
spp. R. Br.
symbol: CALLI12
Leaf: Alternate or opposite, simple, evergreen, entire margin; narrow lanceolate; 1 to 3 inches long; dark green above, paler below.
Flower: Conspicuous flower clusters (2 to 4 inches long) along stem; petals are very small but long red stamens cause a "bottle brush" effect; appearing throughout the year.
Fruit: Small, short, persistent woody capsules in clusters along the stems, resembling small buttons.
Twig: Slender, grayish brown; covered densely in foliage particularly near branch tips.
Bark: Dark gray with flat-topped interlacing ridges.
Form: Most species are shrubby but some can make it to small tree status; often with drooping finer twigs; typically multiple trunks.