When to take cuttings from Natives?

[CurtisVincent]

Does anyone have any tips for the best times through the year to take cuttings from Australian Natives? I've got all these fantastic maleleucas around my place and am just wondering what time is best for them to strike, and any tips on the cutting technique? All info and advice is greatly appreciated!

[shibui]

Many plants can be struck through most of the year.
The best time to put in cuttings is when you have access to the material. i have grown hundreds of plants after taking home flowering sections from the display table after Australian Plant Society meetings and many more from pieces taken (with permission) from garden visits at all times of the year.
Most people get best results with half hard wood. That's usually after the summer growth spurt in late summer or early autumn while it is still warm enough for cuttings to root reasonably quickly. Evergreen cuttings (most natives) require high humidity so they don't dehydrate before roots form. I have automatic misting but a cover over the cuttings is nearly as good. For small scale, simple cuttings a plastic drink bottle cover works well. Clear plastic storage tubs are good if you are doing a few pots at a time.
Use propagating mix to strike cuttings. For small quantities just buy a bag at the nursery. I use 50/50 perlite/coir peat as my cutting mix but sand/peat mixes are also common. Some easy to root species will root in ordinary potting mix but the pathogens present in potting mix can cause trouble.

Melaleucas are generally quite easy to strike. Best of luck.