Identifying Characteristics
| Size/Form: | Melaleuca is a sub-tropical evergreen tree that may grow up to 50' to 80' tall. It grows in dense thickets and has spongy, peeling, paper-thin bark. |
| Leaves: | The leaves are simple, alternately-arranged and oval to elliptical in shape. The 1" - 2" leaves are greyish-green and have distinctly parallel veins. The leaves have a camphor-like odor when they are crushed. |
| Bark: | The bark is spongy and grows in thin, white layers. |
| Flowers: | The flowers are white blossoms growing on brush-like spikes in spring and summer months. They are fragrant and are often an allergen . |
| Fruit: | Fruits are small, cylindrical or square woody capsules, containing many seeds. |
Similar Trees on the Florida 4-H Forest Ecology Contest List:
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