The Broad-leaved Paperbark is a staple of our local ecosystem.
The Melaleuca quinquenervia, or Broad-leaved Paperbark, is a common native plant to coastal areas of the Port Macquarie Hastings region, and is most frequently found within 20km of the coast. They can grow up to more than 20m in height and they flower around March/April, attracting flying foxes and nectar feeding birds such as rainbow lorikeets.
It is one of the dominant trees in the swamp forest in Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park and along Wrights and Yarranabee Creeks in Port Macquarie, and in Lake Innes Nature Reserve.
It can tolerate a lot of inundation by growing aerial roots under its loose bark. If killed by fire it regenerates quickly from stored seed released by woody capsules on its branches and if blown over in strong winds, fallen trunks reshoot new vertical stems.
First Nations Peoples used the bark for wrapping and cooking food. They also used an infusion of the leaves as a treatment for coughs and colds.
Broad-leaved Paperbark is one of several Melaleuca paperbarks occurring in our region, and four species are available for purchase from the Landcare Nursery.
This species is very suitable for areas subject to waterlogging but should be planted at least 15 metres from any dwelling due to its ultimate height, even though in a garden situation it is unlikely to reach the size it attains in the swamp forest.
