Weeping Paperbark

Description:

The Weeping Paperbark (aka Cajeput Tree) 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. It is a member of the Myrtaceae family. In Australia, it is the third most diverse plant genus (Melaleuca) with up to 250 species. The tree has thick spongy bark, similar to the Broad-leaf Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia). However, the foliage of Melaleuca leucadendra is of a brighter green and has a slightly weeping habit. Its average size is 10 metres (30'), but it can grow to 30 metres (100'). The flowers are rich in nectar and attract birds and fruit bats.

Habitat:

Open eucalypt forests, along creek lines and in seasonally swampy areas. This tree was spotted by the lake at the Brisbane Botanical Gardens, Mt. Coot-Tha. This particular area of the gardens is known as the Melaleuca Wetlands.

Notes:

This species of tree has many traditional uses for Aboriginal people including cooking, medicine, and shelter.