Accession Count: 0
Common Name:
Tea Tree
Family Name:
Myrtaceae
Botanical Name:
melaleuca leucadendra
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Compound:
Mel leu
Geographic Origin:
Australia
Ecozone Origin:
Australasia
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The Melaleuca leucadendra, or Cajeput Tree (among other names), is a tree that was first believed to be propagated near the northern, tropical regions in Australia (1). While it can typically be seen growing along riverbanks, this massive tree can also be found along swamps, lagoons and forests (2). While there isn’t a wealth of knowledge surrounding its discovery and distribution, it can be concluded that the native peoples of Australia used this tree for a variety of uses (covered in Ethnobotany). Today, it can be found in the aforementioned locations, plus along roads and cities to provide an ornamental aspect as well as shade (3).
Cultivation Notes:
Although Melaleuca leucadendra grows abundantly along moist riverbanks and lagoons, it is also a robust tree that is capable of living in a variety of conditions. Most notably, it has been observed that the Cajeput tree can survive abnormally high salinity levels, waterlogged conditions and even drought (4). These three factors make this tree highly desirable for human landscaping because of its easy maintenance. Because of its plentiful amount of leaves and wide, hanging canopy, this tree prefers unshaded, direct sunlight (5).
Ethnobotany:
The Melaleuca leucadendra is a very useful species to both humans and animals, and it has proven such over the course of history. The native peoples of Australia, aborigines, were the first to utilize its bark to form waterproof housing (6). In addition, the thin, paper-like bark was used to wrap food to preserve moisture and taste when cooking (7). Today, its volatile oil is prized for being an antispasmodic, diuretic, antiseptic and anthelmintic in addition to its mildly stimulating effects (8).
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
Pink
Function:
Shade
Spread:
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Invasive
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
High Water Use
