Melaleuca subulata

Melaleuca subulata, commonly known as the needle-leaved paperbark, is a resilient Australian shrub prized for its therapeutic properties. Native to coastal regions, this medicinal plant contains essential oils with potent antiseptic and antimicrobial qualities. It is traditionally used in botanical remedies to support skin health and promote healing.

  • Scientific name: Melaleuca subulata
  • Family: Myrtaceae
  • Native range: Australasia

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Myrtales, falling into the family Myrtaceae. Ultimately, its specific taxonomic placement is within 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 subulata, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic context. In English, it is frequently called the needle-leaved paperbark, a name that highlights its distinctive foliage and characteristic bark. In its native Australian environment, it is often identified by the common name needle-leaved melaleuca.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant is native to the Australian continent, where it occupies specific regional niches. Its primary geographical distribution is concentrated within the state of New South Wales. Additionally, the species can be found growing in parts of Victoria. These two states represent the core areas where the plant naturally thrives in the wild. Consequently, its presence is limited to these particular southern coastal and inland regions of Australia.

Region Area Source
Australia New South Wales WCVP
Australia Victoria WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Melaleuca subulata, exhibits a specialized morphology across its various botanical components. The leaves are typically small, narrow, and needle-like, serving as the primary site for the production of essential oils. Within these leaves, the specialized leaf tissues contain secretory glands that store these medicinal aromatic compounds. The stems provide a woody structural framework that supports the plant's growth and facilitates nutrient transport. During its reproductive phase, the plant produces delicate flowers, which are often arranged in clusters to attract pollinators. Finally, the development of these flowers leads to the formation of woody fruits, often referred to as capsules, which protect the developing seeds until they are ready for dispersal.
Total parts
5
Scientific sources
6
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 2 ★☆☆☆☆
stems 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf tissues 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fruits 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flowers 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Melaleuca subulata has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆