Home > Herbs > Melaleuca

kajeput

Melaleuca · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (9 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Kajeput, scientifically known as Melaleuca, is a versatile medicinal plant prized for its powerful antimicrobial properties. Native to Australia, its aromatic leaves yield essential oils used to treat skin infections, respiratory issues, and inflammation. This resilient shrub remains a cornerstone in natural healing and therapeutic aromatherapy worldwide.

Family
Myrtaceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Flower · Leaf
Common names
Bottlebrush · Bottlebrushes
Scientific synonyms
Ozandra · Conothamnus · 10 more

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Melaleuca

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Limpiabotellas

German:

  • Myrtenheiden
  • kajeput
  • Myrtenheiden
  • Teebaum

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

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, it is categorized under the genus Melaleuca.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Myrtales
Family Myrtaceae
Genus Melaleuca

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several distinct regions across Europe and its surrounding islands. In Northern Europe, its presence can be noted within the territory of Great Britain. Moving toward the Mediterranean, it is found in the Baleares of Southwestern Europe and throughout Italy in Southeastern Europe. The plant also inhabits the Northwest Balkan Peninsula, marking another significant area in Southeastern Europe. Finally, its range extends to the Macaronesian region, specifically including the Canary Islands.

Region Area
Northern Europe Great Britain
Southwestern Europe Baleares
Southeastern Europe Italy
Southeastern Europe NW. Balkan Pen.
Macaronesia Canary Is.
Macaronesia Madeira
West Tropical Africa Benin
West-Central Tropical Africa Gabon
West-Central Tropical Africa Gulf of Guinea Is.
East Tropical Africa Kenya

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Plant Parts

Melaleuca has 3 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include flower, leaf, stem.

Plant parts reported in Melaleuca
Plant part Supporting sources Consensus
Flower 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Leaf 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Stem 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Flower

  1. Planta medica

Leaf

  1. Planta medica

Stem

  1. Planta medica

Activities

Melaleuca has 4 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antioxidant, Neuroprotective.

Activities reported in Melaleuca
Activity Supporting sources Consensus
Antibacterial 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Neuroprotective 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Antibacterial

  1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Antifungal

  1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Antioxidant

  1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Neuroprotective

  1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Conditions

Melaleuca has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include colon cancer.

Conditions investigated for Melaleuca
Condition Supporting sources Consensus
Colon cancer 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Colon cancer

  1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)