Paperbark, Broad-leaved Paperbark, Bellbowrie, Punk tree, Tea-tree oil
Melaleuca viridiflora var. rubriflora

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A medium sized tree. It grows 8-20 m high. It spreads to 5-10 m wide. The bark is grey and papery. Young growth is grey and covered with silky hairs. The leaves are 5-10 cm long by 0.5-2.5 cm wide. They are narrowly oval. The leaf stalk is 0.4-1 cm long. The leaves are dull green, thick and leathery. There are 3-5 prominent veins. The leaves have a lemon scent. The flower heads are near the ends of branches and are 4-8 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. They are like a cylinder and spike-like. Flowers are creamy white and have a scent. The fruit is a capsule 0.3 cm across and cup-shaped. Seeds are shed each year.

It has become a serious weed in some locations.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical and warm temperate plant. It occurs near swamps and waterways. It needs to be in a frost free area. They can grow in brackish or salty soils. Trees can grow permanently in water up to 1 m deep. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. Melbourne Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, New Caledonia, North America, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, USA

How it is used for food

The blossums in water are used for a drink. The bark yields an oil which is used in flavouring.

Edible parts

Nectar, bark - oil

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. Plants can also be grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Melaleuca quinquenervia;