Melaleuca quinquenervia aka Punktree

Taxonomy

Genus Melaleuca Family Myrtaceae Order Myrtales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Melaleuca quinquenervia, also known as the broad-leaved paperbark, paper bark tea tree, punk tree, niaouli, or tea tree pyatizhilkovaya, is a small to medium-sized tree in the Myrtaceae family. It can grow up to 20 meters tall, with a trunk covered in a thick, papery bark that is white, beige, and grey. The grey-green leaves are egg-shaped, and cream or white bottlebrush-like flowers bloom from late spring to autumn. It is native to New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, and coastal eastern Australia, growing in swamps, floodplains, and near rivers and estuaries on silty soil. However, it has become an invasive species in the Everglades region of Florida. Tea tree pyatizhilkovaya, or niaouli, is also a member of the Melaleuca genus and is native to Australia, Papua New Guinea, and New Caledonia. It is a super rare houseplant that requires regular watering and thrives in long-lasting, direct light. The soil should be well-draining. The tree can grow up to 25 meters tall, with dull or grey-green leaves that are spear-shaped to ovoid. The cream or white flowers appear from late spring to autumn and are located on the ears at the ends of branches. Woody fruits grow after flowering in the form of a wide cylindrical box, each containing many tiny seeds that are thrown away annually.

Common names

Punktree, Belbowrie, Bottle Brush Tree

How to care for Punktree

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Punktree, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Punktree should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Punktree loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Punktree requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Belbowrie is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Melaleuca Genus

Melaleuca Common Red

Melaleuca squamea Swamp Honey Myrtle

Melaleuca squarrosa Melaleuca Squarrosa

Melaleuca linariifolia Cajeput Tree

Melaleuca nesophila Mauve Honey Myrtle

Melaleuca uncinata Broom Honey Myrtle

Melaleuca leucadendra Cajaput Tree

Melaleuca bracteata Black Teatree

Melaleuca armillaris Bracelet Honey Myrtle

Melaleuca quinquenervia Punktree