| Melaleuca alternifolia | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Melaleuca |
| Species: | M. alternifolia |
| Binomial name | |
| Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) Cheel[1] |
|
Melaleuca alternifolia, commonly known as Narrow-leaved Paperbark, Narrow-leaved Tea-tree, Narrow-leaved Ti-tree, or Snow-in-summer, is a species of tree or tall shrub in the plant genus Melaleuca. Native to Australia, it occurs on the north coast and adjacent ranges of New South Wales. It grows along streams and on swampy flats, and is often the dominant species where it occurs.
Contents |
Leaves are linear, 10–35 mm long and 1 mm wide. White flowers occur in spikes 3–5 cm long. Small woody, cup-shaped fruit are 2–3 mm in diameter.[2]
Characteristic of the myrtle family Myrtaceae, it is used to distil essential oil. It is the primary species for commercial production of Tea tree oil (melaleuca oil), a topical antibacterial[3] and antifungal used in a range of herbal medicine products including antiseptics, deodorants, shampoos, soaps and lotions.
Tea tree oil is toxic if ingested in large amounts and if used topically in high concentrations may cause skin irritation.[4] No deaths have been reported.[4]