Flora of the Southeastern United States

*Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cavanilles) Blake. Common name: Punktree, Paperbark Tree, Melaleuca, Cajeput Tree. Phenology: (Jan-) Sep-Dec. Habitat: Wetlands, disturbed areas. Distribution: Native of Australia. Melaleuca quinquenervia was introduced in s. FL in the 1880s and became an ecosystem-altering invasive species (see Dray, Bennett, & Center 2006 for summary). Its encroachment into high quality marl prairies and marshes is especially concerning in c. and s. FL.

ID notes: Distinctive at all times of year in its thick, spongy, layered white bark.

Origin/Endemic status: Australia

Synonymy ⓘ: = Bah, Fl4, FNA10, GW2, K4, Meso4.1, SFla, WH3; = Melaleuca leucadendra L. — S, misapplied; = Melaleuca leucodendron (L.) L. — Wilson (1960c), misapplied; Metrosideros quinquenervia Cavanilles. Basionym: Metrosideros quinquenervia Cav. 1797

Links to other floras: = Melaleuca quinquenervia - FNA10

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Wetland Indicator Status:

• Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FAC