Cajaput-tree (Melaleuca leucadendra, Mant. Pl. 1: 105 (1767))

Family: Myrtaceae

Author: (L.) L.

Bibliography: Mant. Pl. 1: 105 (1767)

Year: 1767

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Melaleuca

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Maluku to N. Australia

Description

The Cajaput-tree, scientifically known as Melaleuca leucadendra, is a versatile and resilient species originating from the regions of Maluku to Northern Australia. As a member of the Myrtaceae family, this tree is distinguished by its striking white, paper-like bark and its dense, aromatic foliage.

The Cajaput-tree thrives in a range of environments, often found in tropical and subtropical climates where it inhabits lowland rainforests, floodplains, and swampy regions. Its robustness and ability to grow in various soils make it an integral part of the flora in these regions.

One of the most notable features of the Melaleuca leucadendra is its essential oil, which is extracted from its leaves and twigs. Known as Cajuput oil, it possesses significant medicinal properties and is widely used in traditional medicine practices. The oil has antiseptic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory attributes, making it a popular remedy for ailments such as respiratory issues, skin infections, and muscle pain.

Moreover, the tree’s flowers, which bloom in dense, white or cream-colored spikes, attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and birds, promoting biodiversity within its habitat. The Cajaput-tree’s ability to thrive in wet conditions also makes it valuable for land reclamation and stabilization projects, preventing soil erosion.

The Melaleuca leucadendra has not only ecological importance but also cultural significance in various indigenous communities where it is used for crafting tools, shelter, and even in ceremonial practices. Its versatile nature and beneficial properties underscore the essential role it plays in its native regions.

In sum, the Cajaput-tree is a notable example of nature’s adaptability and utility, contributing to both the environmental and cultural landscapes of Maluku to Northern Australia. Its enduring presence and myriad uses reflect its importance across various domains, from ecological contributions to traditional medicine.

Common Names

Eng: big white paperbark, broadleaf paperbark, broadleaf teatree, brown teatree, butterscotch paperbark, cajaput-tree, cajeput, cajeput-tree, longleaf paperbark, paperbark, paperbark teatree, paperbark-tree, river teatree, swamp teatree, weeping paperbark, weeping teatree, white teatree
Por: cajepúti, cajupúti, corticeira, melaleuca, papeleira, árvore-branca, árvore-do-papel, árvore-do-óleo-de-cajeput
Swe: kajeputträd
Khm: ស្មាច់
En: Cajaput-tree, Longleaf paperbark, Paperbark, Paperbark teatree, Paperbark-tree, River teatree, Swamp teatree, Weeping teatree, White teatree, Big white paperbark, Butterscotch paperbark, Broadleaf paperbark, Broadleaf teatree, Weeping paperbark, Brown teatree, Kaju potè, Kayu putih, Cajeput, Cajeput-tree
Ar: بلقاء بيضاء الجذع
Bn: ক্যাজুপুট
My: ကာကျူပွတ်ပင်
Zh: 白千层
Hr: Kajaput drvo
Fi: Valkokaarnamyrtti
Id: Kayu putih
Jv: Kayu putih
Kn: ಕಾಜಪುಟೆ ಮರ
Km: ស្មាច់
Ms: Pokok Gelam
Ml: മെലാലൂക ലൂകഡെൻട്ര
Pt: Cajepúti, Cajupúti, Corticeira, Melaleuca, Papeleira, Árvore-branca, Árvore-do-papel, Árvore-do-óleo-de-cajeput
Pt-br: Cajupúti, Caxajeputi, Melaleuca
Ru: Кайюпутовое дерево
Sv: Kajeputträd
Zh-tw: 白千層
Ta: பேப்பர் மரம்
Th: เสม็ดขาวใบยาว
Uk: Мелалеука плакуча
Vi: Tràm lá dài

Synonyms

• Kajuputi leucadendron ((L.) Farw.)
• Cajuputi leucadendron ((L.) A.Lyons)
• Melaleuca amboinensis (Gand.)
• Myrtus alba (Noronha)
• Melaleuca leucadendra var. cunninghamii (F.M.Bailey)
• Myrtus leucadendra (L.)
• Melaleuca leucadendra var. lancifolia (F.M.Bailey)
• Melaleuca leucadendra var. angusta (C.Rivière)
• Melaleuca rigida (Roxb.)
• Melaleuca leucadendra var. mimosoides ((A.Cunn. ex S.Schauer) Cheel)
• Leptospermum leucodendron ((L.) J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.)
• Meladendron leucocladum (St.-Lag.)
• Melaleuca mimosoides (A.Cunn. ex S.Schauer)

Distribution

• Maluku (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• Andaman Is. (introduced)
• Belize (introduced)
• Benin (introduced)
• Gabon (introduced)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (introduced)
• Nicobar Is. (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jul 24, 2004 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2004 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2004 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 1991 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 9, 2011 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 16, 2019 by Ernita (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 21, 2020 by Hugues Ahientio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Gustavo Miguel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2021 by Arborist Trees (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2021 by nagchampa (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 9, 2011 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2022 by Gentry Amalo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2022 by Loreto Cánovas (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5415976)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:598002-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Melaleuca leucadendra (L.) L.)

Specifications

Growth