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Melaleuca alternifolia Tea Tree |
Melaleucas: Common names are Paperbarks, Honey myrtles. The bark is very distinctive and consists of thin, white cream or brown, paper like layers. Leaves on some species are aromatic when crushed. Many of the shrub like melaleuca are known by the common name of honey myrtle because of their nectar rich flowers. The flowers can be extremely profuse and come in a range of colors including white, cream, pink, mauve, red, yellow, orange and green. The bark of Melaleuca is in demand for lining hanging baskets for gardens. Paperbarks will tolerate moist sites that are poorly drained but flower production is best in full sun. Occasional use of a slow release fertilizer may be helpful.
Melaleuca alternifolia
Commonly known as "Tea Tree" and this is the plant that the "Tea Tree Oil" comes
from. A mature shrub 18 x 12' and rated hardy to 28 F. The extracted oil is used
for many skin ailments (including poison ivy) and has a sweet smelling citrus scent.
It has been proven to
contain many medicinal properties. This is probably the most famous of all Australia
plants (behind Eucalyptus of course!)
| Temperature Rating | USDA Zone 8 |
| Type | Large shrub 18 x 12' |
| Flower Color | |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Placement | Sun |
| Culture | Moderate to wet soils |
| Native | New South Wales, Queensland |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
Key Benefits
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Problem Solving Features
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Friday June 06, 2008 11:55 AM
