[2][3] Melaleuca striata was first formally described in 1806 by the French biologist, Jacques Labillardière in Novae Hollandiae Plantarum Specimen.

[4][5] The specific epithet (striata) is derived from the Latin stria meaning a "furrow", "channel" or "pleat"[6] referring to the striated appearance of the leaves.

[2] This melaleuca occurs in coastal areas between Albany and Israelite Bay[2] including the Stirling Range and Cape Arid[3] national parks in the Esperance Plains, Jarrah Forest and Mallee biogeographic regions.

[2] Melaleuca striata is classified as "not threatened" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife.

[7] Although difficult to grow,[3] M. striata often produces a massed display of pink to mauve flowers mostly between November and January,[8] making it a showy plant in the garden.