Flora profile: Melaleuca quinquenervia (Broad-leaved paperbark)
Melaleuca quinquenervia, commonly known as Broad-leaved paperbark, is a small- to medium-sized tree of the Myrtaceae family. Commonly a relatively small tree of tween 12-14 metres in height, larger specimens may grow to more than 20 metres high. The species is common in swamps and depressions along the Tweed Coast in a range of soils periodically inundated by water but the species is also found upslope in wet gullies and on the lower slopes of adjacent undulating terrain.
Broad-leaved paperbark is covered by a white, beige and grey thick papery bark which protects the cambium from fire. The stiff, elliptic, grey-green leaves have five longitudinal veins. Close inspection of the leaves reveals numerous oil dots and the leaves are strongly aromatic when crushed. Cream or white bottlebrush-like flowers appear between September to May or even later.
This species is attractive to a number of animals. Flowers provide a source of nectar for Grey-headed and Little Red Flying Foxes and many bird species including the Scaly-breasted lorikeet, Lewin’s Honeyeater and Eastern Spinebill. Many insect species flock to the blossoms and Koalas may forage on the leaves.
In the backyard, especially in coastal localities, the species is easy to grow in a range of soils and situations. It is very hardy, grows reasonably quickly and tolerates salt-laden air. Copses of threes make excellent windbreaks. Although the species does not have an overly invasive root system, it should not be planted too close to infrastructure.
Aboriginal people used the papery bark for building shelters, and wrapping food for cooking.
Interestingly, the species has invaded millions of hectares of swampland in the south eastern United States. The United States Department of Agriculture has classified the species as a noxious weed in Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Oklahoma and Texas.
A large stand of trees near Bogangar, one year after fire. The species is very resilient and hardy. It has adapted to fire and periodic inundation.
Consultation has concluded
