| Melaleuca cuticularis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Melaleuca |
| Species: | M. cuticularis |
| Binomial name | |
| Melaleuca cuticularis Labill. |
|
Melaleuca cuticularis, or Saltwater Paperbark is a native tree of Western Australia.
M. cuticularis is a tree that typically grows to a height of 1 metre (3.3 ft) - 7 metres (23 ft)[1] and is fairly dense. The leaves are linear to oblong, grey-green to dark green in colour and between 0.5 centimetres (0.20 in) and 1.2 centimetres (0.47 in) in length and 1.5 millimetres (0.059 in) to 3 millimetres (0.12 in) in width. The stems and trunk of M. cuticularis are covered in a pale papery bark and connect to rigid and torturous branches. The flowers are brush shaped, cream in colour and located at the terminus of the branches. M. cuticularis flowers in spring between the months of September and January.[2] Fruits are woody and generally solitary with a star-like shape, they are 6 millimetres (0.24 in) to 11 millimetres (0.43 in) in width.
M. cuticularis is able to grow in saline wetlands such as swamps and estuaries. It is tolerant of both waterlogging and the presence of salt in the air and water. The tree is native to Western Australia and is located mostly in Coastal regions South of Perth stretching to Israelite Bay.[3] This species is ideal for sandy clay, loamy clay and clay soils and is commonly used for soil stabilisation and revegetation. It is also shade and drought tolerant so can be used in hedges or windbreaks.[4]