The genus "Callistemon" was raised by Robert Brown, who noted its similarity to "Melaleuca", distinguishing it only on the basis of whether the stamens are free of each other, or joined in bundles. Botanists in the past, including Ferdinand von Mueller and Lyndley Craven have proposed uniting the two genera but the matter is not decided. Evidence from DNA studies suggests that either "Callistemon" and some other genera be incorporated into "Melaleuca" or that at least 10 new genera be created from the present genus.