Forest Types
Melaleuca
Melaleuca forests are found mainly in northern Australia, with three-quarters occurring in Queensland. Small patches can also be found in swampy areas of north-western Tasmania.
There are 140 Melaleuca species native to Australia, some of which are known as ‘Paperbarks’ because of their flaky paper-like bark. They grow in damp, swampy areas that often dry out seasonally, providing significant habitat for a range of species.
Melaleuca wood contains a large amount of silica, which makes it durable in water and resistant to termites. It is sometimes used for marine pylons and boat building, but as it is quite difficult to work with, it is not harvested on a commercial scale. Indigenous Australians use Melaleuca trees to make strong canoes.
One species of Melaleuca, the Tea Tree, contains oil in its leaves that is a natural antiseptic and is commonly used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.
For more information on Melaleuca forests: Read the National Forestry Inventory’s Melaleuca Forest Profile.
Melaleuca Forest
Photo: Dave Kimble - http://home.austarnet.com.au/davekimble/melaleuca.htm
