Melaleuca linearis var. linearis

Melaleuca linearis var. linearis, commonly known as the narrow-leaved paperbark, is a resilient shrub native to Australia. Renowned for its distinctive peeling bark, this medicinal plant is traditionally valued for its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. Its essential oils are frequently utilized in natural remedies to treat skin ailments.

  • Scientific name: Melaleuca linearis var. linearis
  • Family: Myrtaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Myrtales, it is classified under the family Myrtaceae and the genus Melaleuca. Specifically, its taxonomic designation is Melaleuca linearis var. linearis.

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 linearis var. linearis, is referred to by various names depending on the region and language. In English, it is commonly called narrow-leaved paperbark. In French, it is known as mélaleuque à feuilles linéaires, while in Spanish, it is referred to as melaleuca de hojas lineales. In German, the plant is called lineares Melaleuca, and in Italian, it is known as melaleuca lineare.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a remarkably wide and scattered geographical distribution across several continents. In Northern Europe, its presence can be noted within Great Britain. Moving toward warmer climates, it is found in East Tropical Africa, specifically in Tanzania, as well as in the Cape Provinces of Southern Africa. Its range extends into the Indian Subcontinent, where it grows in the Assam region. Finally, the species is also well-established in Australia, particularly within New South Wales.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
East Tropical Africa Tanzania WCVP
Southern Africa Cape Provinces WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Assam WCVP
Australia New South Wales WCVP
Australia Queensland WCVP
New Zealand New Zealand North WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Melaleuca linearis var. linearis, is characterized by several distinct morphological features, though its medicinal properties are often associated with specific components. While the leaves and oils are frequently studied, the stem bark serves as a significant part of its physical structure. This bark provides a protective layer for the vascular tissues of the plant, and in various traditional applications of the Melaleuca genus, different parts of the woody structure are examined for their chemical constituents.
Total parts
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Scientific sources
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Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆