Melaleuca ericifolia

Swamp Paperbark

Dense or open upright suckering shrub or small tree. Papery bark.

Additional information

• FamilyMyrtaceae
• StoreyMiddle storey
• Size4-9 m x 2-6 m
• Plant groupingTrees 3-25 m
• LeavesSmall narrow leaves, either singly or rings of 3, 7-19 mm x c. 1 mm, tip blunt. Glands indistinct on lower surface.
• Flower colourCream
• Flowering timeOctober to November
• FlowersPlant covered in short terminal flower spikes to 17 mm long and more than 1 cm wide. Small woody capsule.
• Bird attractingGeneral - food and habitat
• Butterfly attractingNectar for butterflies
• Frog habitatYes
• Growing conditionsMoist to wet swampy conditions, forming thickets. Frost tolerant. Full sun to semi shade.
• Garden useForms a dense copse in moist to wet areas. Can be restricted in size and spread when planted in drier areas. Screening plant. Prolific flowerer.
• Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries
• Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
• Aboriginal Use Paper bark - paintings, wrapping for babies, blankets, bandages, roofing; oil from leaves - medicine, stem and root - clubs, nectar - drink.
• Related speciesMelaleuca parvistaminea differs from the above with its rough scaly bark, smaller flower clusters, less than 1 cm wide, and rough leaves have protruding oil glands. It does not have a lignotuber but can still form thickets.

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