Melaleuca linariifolia Flax-leaved paper-bark (Myrtaceae) Evergreen shrub

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Melaleuca linariifolia
Flax-leaved paper-bark
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Melaleuca linariifolia plant species is found in Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia. It is a member of the Myrtaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Flax-leaved paper-bark. Some home gardeners know the variety as Metrosideros hyssopifolia.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Melaleuca linariifolia
Common Name:  Flax-leaved paper-bark
Family:  Myrtaceae
Author:  Sm.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  10   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Wet and swampy places near the coast, also on the coastal plateaux, often on shale[152].

Medicinal Information: An essential oil obtained from the fresh leaves and twigs is antibacterial[152]. It is used in the treatment of headaches[152]. One report says that the oil is very similar to tea tree oil, obtained from M. alternifolia[254]. The uses of that oil are as follows:- Tea tree, and in particular its essential oil, is one of the most important natural antiseptics and it merits a place in every medicine chest[254]. It is useful for treating stings, burns, wounds and skin infections of all kinds[254]. An essential oil obtained from the leaves and twigs is strongly antiseptic, diaphoretic and expectorant[156, 157, 238]. It stimulates the immune system and is effective against a broad range of bacterial and fungal infections[238]. Internally, it is used in the treatment of chronic and some acute infections, notably cystitis, glandular fever and chronic fatigue syndrome[254]. It is used externally in the treatment of thrush, vaginal infections, acne, athlete's foot, verrucas, warts, insect bites, cold sores and nits[238]. It is applied neat to verrucas, warts and nits, but is diluted with a carrier oil such as almond for other uses[238]. The oil is non-irritant[238]. Another report says that high quality oils contain about 40% terpinen-4-ol, which is well tolerated by the skin and 5% cineol which is irritant. However, in poor quality oils the levels of cineol can exceed 10% and in some cases up to 65%[254]. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Antiseptic'[210].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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