Characteristics uses for Melaleuca
Melaleuca is closely related to Callistemon ("Bottlebrushes") and differs from that genus in the way that the stamens are connected to the floral tube. The stamens are generally free in Callistemon but united into bundles in Melaleuca (see also "Melaleuca and Callistemon; Why are they Different?").
The showy parts of the flowers of Melaleuca are the stamens, the petals being small and inconspicuous. The stamens are often brightly coloured with red, pink, mauve, purple and yellow being common. The Melaleuca "flower" is really an inflorescence formed by a cluster of small flowers.
Peak flowering for most species is spring (September to November in Australia), however, a spasmodic flowering at other times is not unusual. The flower clusters may occur terminally at the ends of branches or in short spikes along the branches.
Following flowering, three-celled woody seed capsules develop with each capsule containing many small seeds. The seed pods usually remain tightly closed unless stimulated to open by fire or by the death of the plant.
Most melaleucas are small to medium shrubs but a few can become medium to large sized trees.
Commercial Applications
Very few species of Melaleuca have commercial uses. The timber of M.leucadendra and M.quinquenervia been used for fairly minor applications such as railway sleepers, fence posts and mine props and these species are also useful in honey production.
The most significant use of the genus is in the production of Tea Tree Oil. M.alternifolia is most commonly used species and there has been significant expansion of the industry in the past decade or so. Tea Tree Oil is particularly valuable as a germicide and is used in a number of products including shampoos, antiseptic creams and soaps.
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