Cloudy tea tree
Melaleuca dealbata
Family: Myrtaceae
What it is like
A robust tree. It grows 5-20 m tall. The crown is silvery-grey and dense. The bark is papery and cream to grey. The leaves are alternate and 6-12 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. They are broadly sword shaped and silvery-grey. The flowers are creamy white and in spikes 7-12 cm long. They are in groups of 1-4. The fruit are thin walled and cup-shaped. They are 3-4 mm long by 3-5 mm wide.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in coastal areas and on dunes and flood plains. They are usually in poorly drained areas. It can tolerate flood and fire.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia
How it is used for food
The leaves are added to meat to improve the flavour. The nectar is sucked from the flowers.
Edible parts
Nectar, leaves - flavouring
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds. The dry mature capsules are put in paper bags and when the seeds are released they are scattered. Plants can be grown from cuttings treated with rooting hormones.
Its other names
Local names
Blue-leafed paperbark, Honeytree, Silver-leafed paperbark, Soapy tea tree, Swamp tea tree, White leaf melaleuca