(Cajeput Tree)
CHARACTER: Evergreen; oval form; moderate canopy.
SIZE: Medium (Height 25-35'; Spread 20').
GROWTH RATE: Moderate.
FOLIAGE: Reddish-green, narrow, stiff, oval leaves, 2-4" long.
FLOWER/FRUIT/BARK: Yellow-white flowers in clusters 1-4" long, bloom June-August in warmest microclimates. Hard, brown seed capsules, 1/2" across, persist on tree. Shredding, thick and spongy, cream to brown soft bark.
MONTHLY WATERING NEEDS: 15-20 gallons per week for the first 2 years; 15-20 gallons twice a month for the 3rd year; as needed after 3 years (varies by soil, sun, and wind conditions).
TREE CARE: Moderate. Early pruning needed to train a good shape; pruning needed less frequently with age.
TOLERANCES: Drought (once established), poor drainage, any soil; gusty, steady, or cold winds; smog, fog.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Prefers sun. Less sensitive than other melaleucas, but still requires care when planting. Do not disturb rootball or allow rootball to dry out during establishment period or tree may go into transplant shock. Needs extra water in hot or windy conditions.
NOTABLE TRAITS: Native to East Coast of Queensland and New South Wales in Australia, Southeast New Guinea and New Caledonia. Good tree for 2x3' basins and beneath overhead wires. Disease and pest resistant. Attracts birds.
ALTERNATE FORMS: Related to M. alternifolia, the shrub where tea tree oil comes from.