Eden

Penang Botanic Gardens Plant Collection

Melaleuca cajuputi Powell (MYRTACEAE)

Posted at — Nov 13, 2019
Gelam, Paper Bark Tree, Tea Tree, Cajeput

Description

Small to medium-sized evergreen tree to 20 m tall with oblong crown. Leaves 6-18 cm long, lanceolate to sickle-shaped with veins parallel to the margins. Flowers c. 5 mm long, arranged in 3s along a spike, white. Fruits a 3-valved capsule, c. 3 mm across.

Ecology

Gregarious on infertile soils with impeded drainage.

Distribution

Seasonal regions from S Asia and S China to the Philippines and Moluccas.

Uses

Often planted as ornamental, sometimes planted for firewood, post and piling.