Melaleuca arcana
S.T.Blake
Myrtaceae
Melaleuca leucadendra ruscifolia Cheel
Common Name:
General Information
Melaleuca arcana is an evergreen shrub growing 1 - 3 metres tall, or a tree that can reach 8 - 12 metres[
].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for its wood, which is used locally. The tree is also sometimes planted in soil stabilization projects.
Known Hazards
None known
Botanical References
Range
Australia - northern Queensland.
Habitat
Near the coast in depressions behind frontal sand dunes, on low swampy plains, and undulating slopes at elevations up to 300 metres[
].
Properties
| Weed Potential | Yes |
| Habit | Evergreen Tree |
| Height | 10.00 m |
| Cultivation Status | Cultivated, Wild |
Cultivation Details
A plant of the moist, lowland tropics, where it is found at elevations up to 300 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 22 - 32°c, but can tolerate 18 - 38°c[
]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,600 - 1,900mm, but tolerates 1,200 - 2,000mm[
].
Prefers a position in full sun, tolerating some shade[
]. Grows in the wild in light to medium soils of low fertility[
]. Plants can tolerate seasonal inundation of the soil[
]. Prefers a pH in the range 5 - 6, tolerating 4.5 - 6.5[
].
The plant has the potential to escape from cultivation on some sites and become a weed[
].
Edible Uses
None known
Medicinal
None known
Agroforestry Uses:
The tree can be utilized for sand stabilisation in coastal areas[
].
The tree is a good source of honey[
].
Other Uses
The wood can be used for posts and railway ties[
].
The wood is used for fuel[
].
Propagation
Seed -
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Useful Tropical Plants Database 2014 by
Ken Fern,
web interface by
Ajna Fern
with help from
Richard Morris.
