Plant of the Month Melaleuca
The Paperbark tree (Melaleuca species) is a magnificent feature of the Australian landscape. With its distinctive thick, soft, papery bark in shades of cream, brown and sometimes red, it’s a striking addition to gardens, streetscapes, and natural environments alike.
This medium to tall tree can grow anywhere from 8 to 25 metres high and spread between 5 to 10 metres wide. Its growth habit is naturally spreading, giving it a lush and full appearance. The Paperbark tree is particularly known for its beautiful white bottlebrush-like flowers, which bloom from late summer through to autumn. The flowers attract an array of nectar-eating wildlife, including bees, butterflies, and birds, making it a fantastic choice for nature lovers looking to support local biodiversity.
One of the standout features of the Paperbark tree is its incredible adaptability. It thrives in a variety of soil types, from sandy and loamy to clay and saline soils. It can tolerate extreme moisture conditions, flourishing in both boggy, poorly drained areas and dry, well-drained soils. It’s also frost hardy down to -5°C, making it suitable for a wide range of climates, including tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate zones.
The Paperbark tree has long been valued for more than just its beauty. The leaves can be used to produce cineole-rich essential oil, which has various pharmaceutical applications. Traditionally, the bark was used by Indigenous Australians for multiple purposes, including wrapping food for cooking, lining cradles, stuffing pillows, and even as emergency bandages.
Due to its large size and expansive root system, care should be taken when choosing a planting location. Inappropriate placement could lead to issues with underground pipes or building foundations.
Melaleuca are an good choice for those looking to support local wildlife. Its nectar-rich flowers provide food for bees, butterflies, and nectar-feeding birds, while its structure can offer shelter and nesting opportunities for various species.
There is a few notable Paperbark Species to consider when planting. Some favourites are Melaleuca quinquenervia, Melaleuca viridiflora and Melaleuca alternifolia. Each has a different charm and attracts different insects and birds.
Melaleuca viridiflora - a less common example found in the northern rivers.
The Red/pink coloured Melaleuca located in Bilambil, NSW. It is commonly believed that Melaleuca species thrive only in low-lying swampy areas. However, this particular specimen was observed on a west-facing slope. Upon closer inspection, the tree was found in a section of the slope that naturally collects and slows water runoff from higher ground—an ideal location for this species to flourish.
