Melaleuca leucadendra
Weeping paperbark
Melaleuca leucadendra, commonly known as the white tea tree, is a distinctive shrub native to Australia. Renowned for its fine, needle-like foliage and delicate white flowers, this species holds significant medicinal value. Its essential oils possess potent antimicrobial properties, traditionally utilized to treat skin ailments and respiratory congestion.
- Scientific name: Melaleuca leucadendra
- Family: Myrtaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae, the order Myrtales, and the family Myrtaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Melaleuca.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Myrtales | WCVP |
| Family | Myrtaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Melaleuca | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Melaleuca leucadendra, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In Indonesia, it is known as Kayu putih in both Indonesian (id) and Javanese (jv), while in Vietnam, it is called Tràm lá dài (vi). In Russia, it is referred to as Кайюпутoвое дерево (ru), and in Sweden, it is known as Kajeputträd (sv).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| id | Kayu putih | Wikidata |
| jv | Kayu putih | Wikidata |
| vi | Tràm lá dài | Wikidata |
| ru | Кайюпутовое дерево | Wikidata |
| sv | Kajeputträd | Wikidata |
| ms | Pokok Gelam | Wikidata |
| yue | 白千層 | Wikidata |
| kn | ಕಾಜಪುಟೆ ಮರ | Wikidata |
| ar | بلقاء بيضاء الجذع | Wikidata |
| my | ကာကျူပွတ်ပင် | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad and fragmented geographical distribution across multiple tropical regions. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is documented specifically within Benin. Its range extends into West-Central Tropical Africa, where it can be found in Gabon and throughout the Gulf of Guinea Islands. Moving toward the Indo-China region, the species is also located on the Andaman Islands. Finally, its distribution continues to the Nicobar Islands, marking its presence in the Indian Ocean.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gabon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gulf of Guinea Is. | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Andaman Is. | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Nicobar Is. | WCVP |
| Malesia | Lesser Sunda Is. | WCVP |
| Malesia | Maluku | WCVP |
| Papuasia | New Guinea | WCVP |
| Australia | Northern Territory | WCVP |
| Australia | Queensland | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Melaleuca leucadendra, is highly valued in traditional medicine primarily for its potent essential oils. These oils are extracted from the leaves and branches of the tree, containing bioactive compounds that possess significant antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Due to the high concentration of these aromatic oils, the plant is frequently utilized in therapeutic applications to treat skin ailments, respiratory issues, and various inflammatory conditions.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| essential oils | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Melaleuca leucadendra has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Eucalyptol.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Eucalyptol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Melaleuca leucadendra has 4 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Melaleuca leucadendra has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include obesity.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| obesity | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |