Melaleucas

Common name Paperbarks/ Teatrees
Botanical name Melaleuca species/ Leptospermum species
Family Myrtaceae
Natural range Australia and NZ
Mature height to 6m
Form Wide bushy crown, often multi-trunked
Likes Wide range of conditions
Dislikes n/a
Where to plant Home garden
Known for Bird-attractant, honey

Diving Into the World of Melaleucas: A Guide for the Home Gardener

Known by their common name as Paperbarks or Tea-trees, the Melaleuca species and Leptospermum species belong to the Myrtaceae family. With their natural range spanning across Australia and New Zealand, these resilient plants can reach a mature height of about 6m, presenting themselves with a wide bushy crown that’s often multi-trunked. Renowned as a bird-attractant and popular for their honey, these trees are a wonderful addition to any home garden.

What Makes Melaleucas Unique?

Melaleucas offer a wide variety of flowers and sizes that make them an attractive choice for many gardeners. They belong to a genus consisting of nearly 300 species, offering a myriad of choices for your gardening needs. Their sizes range from humble shrubs to towering trees that can reach up to 35m. What’s unique about these species is their floral assembly. Their flowers typically form in groups on a spike, which can contain up to 80 individual flowers. In nature, these trees serve as an essential food source for nectar-feeding insects, birds, and mammals. They’ve also gained popularity as garden plants due to their beautiful flowers and dense screens. Some varieties even hold economic value for producing fencing poles and oils, like the famed tea-tree oil.

Why Are Melaleucas Perfect for Urban Landscaping?

Melaleucas have found their way into urban streets and parklands, especially the Melaleuca linariifolia. Known as Snow-In-Summer, this species earns its moniker due to the thick blanket of flowers that cover the tree around Christmas time. They are a common choice for ornamental trees in parks and gardens, and their resilience makes them perfect for nature strips as street trees, especially in places like Melbourne. These trees thrive in both dry and boggy conditions, but it’s worth noting that they tend to send roots into broken wastewater or drainage pipes.

The Downside of Melaleucas: An Environmental Threat?

While Melaleucas have many benefits, some species like the Melaleuca armillaris or Giant Honey Myrtle can pose environmental threats. This species is popular in Victoria but has started to become an environmental weed in some council areas. It can replace local species and increases fuel loads, which can make areas more prone to bushfires. Still, with their attractive foliage, they continue to be a favourite for many garden enthusiasts.

Not All Melaleucas Are Loved Equally

The Melaleuca quinquenervia or Broad-leaved Paperbark might not enjoy the same love everywhere. It’s quite common in warmer regions like New South Wales and Queensland, where this species can develop into large trees (exceeding 10m). However, it’s less popular in the USA, particularly in the Florida Everglades, where it’s considered the most damaging of 60 exotic species introduced there. It has since become a highly invasive species.

Famed for Its Honey: The Manuka Tree

One of the most famous members of the Melaleuca family is the Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as the Manuka tree. Originating from Australia before spreading to New Zealand, the Manuka tree has carved out a name for itself as a honey-specialist. Manuka honey is renowned worldwide, and Manuka oil is highly sought after. The wood is utilised for tool handles, and Manuka sawdust imparts a delectable flavour when used for smoking meats. It even finds uses in the pharmaceutical industry, further cementing its status in the world of Melaleucas.

In conclusion, the Melaleuca family, with its diverse range of species, offers a variety of options for gardeners and homeowners alike. Whether you’re drawn to their unique floral arrangements, their resilience in different weather conditions, or their economic potential, there’s a Melaleuca for everyone.