Paper Bark Tree

The paper bark tree, Melaleuca quinquenervia, is in the same tree family of Myrtaceae as the eucalypt trees. I only have the one paper bark tree on my acreage property.

A paper bark tree on my property

The paper bark tree grows to around 20 metres tall. These trees are found along the Australian mainland coastline from Sydney up to the top of Queensland.

 

Paper bark trees love moisture and can be found in swamps and along river banks as well as on roadsides and parklands.

 

The bark of this tree is quite unusual. It is creamy-white and grey in colour, is flaky, and feels, well, papery.

The paper bark has flowers that are cream in colour and resemble bottle brush flowers. The flowers are enjoyed by many birds, insects, and flying foxes.

Flowers on the paper bark tree. (Photo from Wikipedia)

 

The moisture contained in the spongy outer layers of bark of the paper bark tree protects the inside trunk during fire.

 

I hope you liked my mini series on some of Australia’s magnificent trees that are in my backyard. If you missed any, you can check them out below –

Grey Box Gum Tree

Tallowwood Gum Tree

Red Bloodwood Tree

Grey Gum Tree

Spotted Gum Tree