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Tea trees (Melaleuca)
Also known as : Honey-myrtles
The tea trees are a genus of shrubs that can be found throughout Asia. In addition to providing cover for animals, some species, such as the Tea tree, have been used for their oil. It can be found in a wide variety of habitats and in gardens it is often used for ornamental screens . 
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Key Facts About Tea trees
Feedback
Attributes of Tea trees
Plant Height
2.5 m
Spread
2.5 m
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
Scientific Classification of Tea trees
Distribution of Tea trees
Feedback
Distribution Map of Tea trees
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Tea trees
Feedback
Tea trees thrive under full sun to part shade and require well-draining soil that's kept moist but not waterlogged. They are adapted to a wide range of temperatures but prefer a mild climate. Common challenges include pests like weevils, webbing caterpillars, and susceptibility to root rot if overwatered. Seasonal considerations involve less frequent watering in winter and potential need for protection from frost in cooler climates.
How to Water Tea trees?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Tea trees?
How to Propagate Tea trees?
How to Plant Tea trees?
Exploring the Tea trees Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Punk tree
The punk tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia) is a plant considered to be an invasive species in the Everglades in Florida. It was brought to the United States from its native Australia and crowds out native vegetation.
Tea tree
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a native tree of Australia and will grow to 6 m tall. Commonly found growing along streams and waterways, it has a bushy crown and thin-white paper-like bark. Oil from the leaves of this tree is commonly known as tea tree oil. Blooms from spring to summer with fluffy white flowers. Thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Black tea-tree
The black tea-tree is an Australian shrub that can grow into a tree prized for its many uses to landowners. This evergreen shrub can tolerate drought and is perfect for landscaping open spaces and urban parks. The plant is scented and used in making soap, perfume, and insect repellant. Its off-white bottle brush flowers attract wildlife.
Snow-in-summer
Snow-in-summer (Melaleuca linariifolia) is a richly descriptive and fitting name for the profuse white flowers of this tropical shrub or small tree. The beauty of these flowers and the attractive leathery leaves make it a popular ornamental garden plant, particularly its dwarf cultivars that fit better into smaller gardens. Snow-in-summer is also rich in essential oils, particularly "tea-tree" oil.
Cajuput
Melaleuca cajuputi is an important source of Cajuput oil, an essential oil used as a remedy for bacterial or fungal infections in fish. The trunk of this medium tree is spongy to the touch. Commonly called cajuput, it is a food source for the caterpillars of several moths, such as Attacus atlas.
Paper-bark tree
The paper-bark tree (*Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. cumingiana*) is a naturally occurring variety of Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. cumingiana named in honor of Hugh Cumin, the English collector and botanist. This evergreen tree is known to be poisonous even with skin contact, so it should be handled with caution.
Scarlet honey myrtle
Scarlet honey myrtle stands out for its deep-red, brush-like flowers, which make it a popular garden shrub. Its salt tolerance makes it ideal for coastal gardens, but it needs direct sunlight to thrive. Its dense, attractive foliage makes it a good choice of hedge or screen. It also attracts butterflies, bees, and birds to the garden.
Melaleuca lutea
Melaleuca lutea is a resilient shrub known for its vibrant yellow flowers that bloom against a backdrop of needle-like foliage. Its hardy nature allows it to thrive in harsh, often dry environments. The plant's dense growth habit provides shelter and resources for local wildlife, underscoring its ecological value. Characteristically, melaleuca lutea has a woody base from which its slender stems and narrow leaves emerge, contributing to its bushy appearance.
All Species of Tea trees
Punk tree
Punk tree
The punk tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia) is a plant considered to be an invasive species in the Everglades in Florida. It was brought to the United States from its native Australia and crowds out native vegetation.
Tea tree
Tea tree
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a native tree of Australia and will grow to 6 m tall. Commonly found growing along streams and waterways, it has a bushy crown and thin-white paper-like bark. Oil from the leaves of this tree is commonly known as tea tree oil. Blooms from spring to summer with fluffy white flowers. Thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Black tea-tree
Black tea-tree
The black tea-tree is an Australian shrub that can grow into a tree prized for its many uses to landowners. This evergreen shrub can tolerate drought and is perfect for landscaping open spaces and urban parks. The plant is scented and used in making soap, perfume, and insect repellant. Its off-white bottle brush flowers attract wildlife.
Snow-in-summer
Snow-in-summer
Snow-in-summer (Melaleuca linariifolia) is a richly descriptive and fitting name for the profuse white flowers of this tropical shrub or small tree. The beauty of these flowers and the attractive leathery leaves make it a popular ornamental garden plant, particularly its dwarf cultivars that fit better into smaller gardens. Snow-in-summer is also rich in essential oils, particularly "tea-tree" oil.
Cajuput
Cajuput
Melaleuca cajuputi is an important source of Cajuput oil, an essential oil used as a remedy for bacterial or fungal infections in fish. The trunk of this medium tree is spongy to the touch. Commonly called cajuput, it is a food source for the caterpillars of several moths, such as Attacus atlas.
Paper-bark tree
Paper-bark tree
The paper-bark tree (*Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. cumingiana*) is a naturally occurring variety of Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. cumingiana named in honor of Hugh Cumin, the English collector and botanist. This evergreen tree is known to be poisonous even with skin contact, so it should be handled with caution.
Scarlet honey myrtle
Scarlet honey myrtle
Scarlet honey myrtle stands out for its deep-red, brush-like flowers, which make it a popular garden shrub. Its salt tolerance makes it ideal for coastal gardens, but it needs direct sunlight to thrive. Its dense, attractive foliage makes it a good choice of hedge or screen. It also attracts butterflies, bees, and birds to the garden.
Melaleuca lutea
Melaleuca lutea
Melaleuca lutea is a resilient shrub known for its vibrant yellow flowers that bloom against a backdrop of needle-like foliage. Its hardy nature allows it to thrive in harsh, often dry environments. The plant's dense growth habit provides shelter and resources for local wildlife, underscoring its ecological value. Characteristically, melaleuca lutea has a woody base from which its slender stems and narrow leaves emerge, contributing to its bushy appearance.
Chenille honeymyrtle
Chenille honeymyrtle
Chenille honeymyrtle is a lovely evergreen shrub with unique features. It is native to Western Australia and is widely used in gardens for its stunning display of reddish-pink flowers from late winter to early spring. In addition, the plant has strong insect-repelling properties and is often used in natural insecticides. Chenille honeymyrtle is easy to care for and thrives in a sunny, well-drained spot.
Saltwater paperbark
Saltwater paperbark
Melaleuca cuticularis is a visually striking tree with almost paper-like white bark and dark green foliage. It can be found around estuaries and other salt-laden, moist soils, making it a tolerant species for use in saline soil types.
One-sided bottlebrush
One-sided bottlebrush
The one-sided bottlebrush got its name from its flower arrangement, which aligns on the one side of the stem. This flowering shrub attracts various types of bees, as well as nectar-feeding birds. It is regularly cultivated for its ornamental features such as attractive foliage and long-lasting flowers.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Tea trees
Melaleuca
Also known as: Honey-myrtles
The tea trees are a genus of shrubs that can be found throughout Asia. In addition to providing cover for animals, some species, such as the Tea tree, have been used for their oil. It can be found in a wide variety of habitats and in gardens it is often used for ornamental screens .
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Key Facts About Tea trees
Feedback
Attributes of Tea trees
Plant Height
2.5 m
Spread
2.5 m
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
Scientific Classification of Tea trees
Distribution of Tea trees
Feedback
Distribution Map of Tea trees
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Tea trees
Feedback
Tea trees thrive under full sun to part shade and require well-draining soil that's kept moist but not waterlogged. They are adapted to a wide range of temperatures but prefer a mild climate. Common challenges include pests like weevils, webbing caterpillars, and susceptibility to root rot if overwatered. Seasonal considerations involve less frequent watering in winter and potential need for protection from frost in cooler climates.
How to Water Tea trees?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Tea trees?
How to Propagate Tea trees?
How to Plant Tea trees?
Exploring the Tea trees Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Punk tree
The punk tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia) is a plant considered to be an invasive species in the Everglades in Florida. It was brought to the United States from its native Australia and crowds out native vegetation.
Tea tree
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a native tree of Australia and will grow to 6 m tall. Commonly found growing along streams and waterways, it has a bushy crown and thin-white paper-like bark. Oil from the leaves of this tree is commonly known as tea tree oil. Blooms from spring to summer with fluffy white flowers. Thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Black tea-tree
The black tea-tree is an Australian shrub that can grow into a tree prized for its many uses to landowners. This evergreen shrub can tolerate drought and is perfect for landscaping open spaces and urban parks. The plant is scented and used in making soap, perfume, and insect repellant. Its off-white bottle brush flowers attract wildlife.
Snow-in-summer
Snow-in-summer (Melaleuca linariifolia) is a richly descriptive and fitting name for the profuse white flowers of this tropical shrub or small tree. The beauty of these flowers and the attractive leathery leaves make it a popular ornamental garden plant, particularly its dwarf cultivars that fit better into smaller gardens. Snow-in-summer is also rich in essential oils, particularly "tea-tree" oil.
Show More Species
All Species of Tea trees
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
