Broad-leaved Paperbark Tree

Melaleuca quinquenervia

A tree coated in paper

No, we don’t get paper from the paper bark tree, but the bark of this tree has been traditionally used in a similar fashion over ages. Melaleuca quinquenervia is one of about 200 species of “paper bark” trees in the genus Melaleuca. This particular tree is often called the Broad-leaved Paperbark Tree or the Paper Bark Tea Tree. While native to Australia, New Caledonia, and Papua New Guinea, it has become a serious invasive species in the Florida Everglades. It also occurs in California and Hawaii in great numbers.

Related Topics

Written by Rob Nelson

Rob is an ecologist from the University of Hawaii. He is the co-creator and director of Untamed Science. His goal is to create videos and content that are entertaining, accurate, and educational. When he's not making science content, he races whitewater kayaks and works on Stone Age Man.

You can follow Rob Nelson