How to identify Punk tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia)

How to identify Punk tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia)

Punk tree, also known as Paperbark tree, Broadleaf paperbark, Cajeput, Coastal teatree, Paperbark, Tea tree

Punk tree is an evergreen tree, noteworthy for its stature reaching up to 40 feet (approximately 12 meters) tall. It's adorned with distinctive yellowish-white cylindrical flower spikes that emerge predominantly in the summer through fall. Its bark stands out with a thick, spongy texture and a tan-white color, shedding in large sheets. The foliage consists of green, elliptical leaves, each leaf being around 3 inches (about 7.5 cm) long. Punk tree flourishes in full sun exposures, exhibiting drought tolerance and enduring temperatures as low as approximately 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius).

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Punk tree

Tall evergreen tree, reaching up to 40 feet (12 meters) in height.

Distinctive yellowish-white cylindrical flower spikes in summer to fall.

Thick, spongy bark with tan-white color, shedding in large sheets.

Green, elliptical leaves, approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) long.

Thrives in full sun, drought-tolerant, withstands temperatures down to 20°F (-6°C).

Punk tree and Their Similar Plants

Snow-in-summer vs. Punk tree: What's The Difference?

Snow-in-summer (Melaleuca linariifolia) is a richly descriptive and fitting name for the profuse white flowers of this tropical shrub or small tree. The beauty of these flowers and the attractive leathery leaves make it a popular ornamental garden plant, particularly its dwarf cultivars that fit better into smaller gardens. Snow-in-summer is also rich in essential oils, particularly "tea-tree" oil.

Pink melaleuca vs. Punk tree: What's The Difference?

Pink melaleuca (Melaleuca nesophila) is a flowering shrub found in western Australia. It is cultivated as a drought-tolerant ornamental shrub. The characteristic pink "pom-pom" flowers bloom from spring to mid-summer. Pink melaleuca has unfortunately become an environmental weed after being introduced on Australia's east coast where it crowds out native plants.

Prickly-leaved paperbark vs. Punk tree: What's The Difference?

The prickly-leaved paperbark (Melaleuca styphelioides) is native to Australia. With attractive bark, foliage and flowers, it is a good tree for the garden, for containers, and for bonsai. Its prickly leaves provide a safe place for birds to nest. The tiny brown fruit are eaten by wildlife, but the litter can be a nuisance.

Swamp honey-myrtle vs. Punk tree: What's The Difference?

The swamp honey-myrtle is a popular garden shrub, mostly used as a background plant. The popularity of this myrtle comes from its low care requirements and attractive appearance, including its scaling bark and showy flowers. These flowers are attractive to a wide range of pollinators and will bring birds, bees, and butterflies to the garden.

Cross-leaf honey-myrtle vs. Punk tree: What's The Difference?

Cross-leaf honey-myrtle have the classic papery-bark of this genus along with attractive brush-like blooms in a lavender color. The plant is quite hardy and can thrive in many different types of soil with little adverse effects to its health.

Saltwater paperbark vs. Punk tree: What's The Difference?

Melaleuca cuticularis is a visually striking tree with almost paper-like white bark and dark green foliage. It can be found around estuaries and other salt-laden, moist soils, making it a tolerant species for use in saline soil types.

Bracelet honey-myrtle vs. Punk tree: What's The Difference?

The bracelet honey-myrtle is a fast-growing, relatively small evergreen tree or shrub that is used as a screen or a living fence. This plant is native to South Australia and provides excellent bird habitat. Its leaves are also a favorite diet of the sawfly. This shrub is considered a major environmental weed in Victoria.

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Key Facts About Punk tree

Attributes of Punk tree

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

8 m to 15 m

Spread

5 m to 10 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

4 cm

Flower Color

White

Cream

Yellow

Stem Color

White

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Scientific Classification of Punk tree

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Punk tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia)

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Distribution Map of Punk tree

Punk tree, originally native to Australasia, has a widespread presence across tropical and subtropical regions. It has been introduced to several major regions, where it is sometimes thought to be of concern due to its potential to impact local ecosystems. In certain areas, punk tree is cultivated and thrives in wetland environments, which may lead to competitive dominance over native species. The plant's adaptability allows it to inhabit various climates beyond its native range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Punk tree How to Grow and Care for Punk tree