The difference between Melaleuca alternifolia and Salix palinurus

1. From the appearance and color

Callistemon: The bark of Callistemon is relatively hard and gray-brown. The branches do not droop, and the tenderer branches have edges. In addition, long silky hairs will grow on the surface in the early stages, but they will all disappear after a period of time.

Salix babylonica: The bark of Salix babylonica is thicker than that of Callistemon, and has longitudinal cracks. Its color is brown, different from the gray-brown color of Callistemon. Its young branches are cylindrical. Although they also have hairy substances, they are fluffy and will not disappear. The most direct difference between the two is that its branches are in a drooping state, while the branches of Callistemon are in an upright state.

2. Differences in Leaves

Callistemon: Its leaves are approximately 5 cm to 9 cm long and 3 mm to 6 mm wide. In the early stages of growth, they are covered with longer silk hairs that gradually disappear.

Salix babylonica: Its leaves are approximately 6 cm to 7.5 cm long, about 7 mm wide, and do not have any long hairs.

3. Differences between flowers and fruits

Callistemon: Its petals are green, about 6 mm long and 4.5 mm wide. The flowering period is from June to August, and its fruit is nearly hemispherical.

Salix babylonica: The color of the flower is much lighter than that of Callistemon, it is light green, and the petals are nearly round, about 3 mm in diameter. The flowering period is from spring to autumn, and its fruit is bowl-shaped or hemispherical.