Melaleuca leucadendra

Melaleuca leucadendra Cajuput Tree
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Myrtales
Family:	Myrtaceae
Genus:	Melaleuca
Species:	M. leucadendra
Binomial name
Melaleuca leucadendra (L.) L.

Melaleuca leucadendra is a tree belonging to the Melaleuca genus. The common name, Cajuput Tree, is derived from the Malay word kayu putih (old Indonesian spelling: kaju putih) - meaning "white wood".

Description

Melaleuca leucadendra is widely distributed in northern parts of Australia (Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland) and is found even further north in the Solomon Islands and on New Guinea in Papua New Guinea and Western New Guinea.^[1].

The tree has thick spongy bark, similar to the Broad-leaf paperbark Tea Tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia)'. However, the foliage of Melaleuca leucadendra is of a brighter green and has a slightly weeping habit. ^[1]

Uses

Cajuput oil can be distilled from the tree's leaves.

Cultivation

Melaleuca leucadendra is cultivated as an ornamental tree for parks and gardens. It is also used as a screen or windbreak. It tolerates dry conditions.

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "Burke's Backyard Archives 1998 - Weeping Paperbark". http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/1998/archives/26/in_the_garden/trees_and_palms/weeping_paperbark.