Contents
Description
Melaleuca Quinquenervia, also known as the broad-leaved paperbark, is an evergreen tree native to eastern Australia. It belongs to the tea tree family, Myrtaceae, and is known for its papery, white bark that peels away in thin sheets. The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a dense canopy of dark green leaves that produce small white flowers in the summer and fall months.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Genus | Melaleuca |
Appearance
The Melaleuca Quinquenervia tree has a distinctive, papery white bark that peels away in thin sheets. Its leaves are dark green, elongated, and lance-shaped, with a leathery texture. The tree produces small, white flowers in the summer and fall months, which are followed by small, woody capsules containing many small seeds. The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a dense canopy that provides shade and shelter to many animals.
Care Guide
To care for a Melaleuca Quinquenervia tree, it is important to provide it with adequate water, fertilizer, and sunlight. The tree prefers well-draining soil and should be watered deeply once a week during the summer months. Fertilizer can be applied in the spring and fall, using a balanced fertilizer that is low in phosphorus. The tree prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Melaleuca Quinquenervia tree is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew if it is grown in damp or humid conditions. Pests such as scale insects and mites can also be a problem, but can be controlled using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Habitat
The Melaleuca Quinquenervia tree is native to eastern Australia and is found in a variety of habitats, including swamps, wetlands, and coastal regions. The tree is well-adapted to wet, marshy soils and can tolerate flooding for short periods of time. It is commonly used for erosion control and is planted in parks and gardens for its attractive bark and foliage.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Melaleuca Quinquenervia tree be grown in pots?
A: Yes, the tree can be grown in a large pot or container, but it will need to be watered more frequently than if it were planted in the ground.
Q: Is the Melaleuca Quinquenervia tree drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, the tree is relatively drought-tolerant once established, but it will need to be watered regularly during the first few years after planting.
Q: Does the Melaleuca Quinquenervia tree attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the tree provides food and shelter for many animals, including birds, insects, and small mammals.
Q: Can the bark of the Melaleuca Quinquenervia tree be used for any medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, the tree’s bark has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, coughs, and skin conditions.
Related Plants
- Melaleuca alternifolia
- Melaleuca leucadendra
- Melaleuca ericifolia
- Melaleuca linariifolia
References
- “Melaleuca quinquenervia.” Floridata. Accessed 14 September 2021. https://floridata.com/plant/174/
- “Melaleuca quinquenervia.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed 14 September 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/st168
- “Melaleuca quinquenervia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 14 September 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d790
