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Cajeput tree is a
''Melaleuca quinquenervia'' is considered an invasive species in swampy areas of Florida in the U.S. It was introduced into the United States both as an ornamental tree and to control erosion in swamps.
Cajeput tree is a common name
In biology, a common name of a taxon or organism (also known as a vernacular name, English name, colloquial name, country name, popular name, or farmer's name) is a name that is based on the normal language of everyday life; and is often contra ...
used for certain classification of tree that has a white spongy bark that is flexible and can easily flake off the trunk. The Cajeput tree is of the genus ''Melaleuca
''Melaleuca'' () is a genus of nearly 300 species of plants in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae, commonly known as paperbarks, honey-myrtles or tea-trees (although the last name is also applied to species of '' Leptospermum''). They range in size ...
'', native to Australia and is commonly known in North America as the tea tree. The name "Cajeput tree" is primarily used for the species '' M. cajuputi'', '' M. leucadendra'', '' M. linariifolia'', '' M. viridiflora'' and '' M. quinquenervia''. Other names for these trees are the paperbark tree, punk tree, or the white bottle brush tree. Similar subtropical trees from the eucalyptus family are evergreens with pointed leaves and white, red or green flowers.
Invasive species in Florida
''Melaleuca quinquenervia'' is considered an invasive species in swampy areas of Florida in the U.S. It was introduced into the United States both as an ornamental tree and to control erosion in swamps.
Uses of the Cajeput tree
The various parts of the Cajeput tree, specifically '' M. leucadendra'', has many known uses. * Its flaky bark can be utilised forweaving
Weaving is a method of textile production in which two distinct sets of yarns or threads are interlaced at right angles to form a fabric or cloth. Other methods are knitting, crocheting, felting, and braiding or plaiting. The longitudin ...
. It is also used to caulk
Caulk or, less frequently, caulking is a material used to seal joints or seams against leakage in various structures and piping.
The oldest form of caulk consisted of fibrous materials driven into the wedge-shaped seams between boards on ...
boats, making them waterproof. Aborigines of Australia often used the cajeput tree bark for shields, canoes, roofing material and timber.
* Its fruits are known to be used as food seasoning in Southeast Asia, where this species is found locally.
* The cajeput trees are a source of cajeput oil in Southeast Asia, an essential oil that is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the tree. Cajeput oil is primarily used in aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is based on the usage of aromatic materials including essential oils and other aroma compounds, with claims for improving psychological and physical well-being. It is offered as a complementary therapy or as a form of alternative ...
as an expectorant
Mucoactive agents are a class of chemical agents that aid in the clearance of mucus or sputum from the upper and lower airways, including the lungs, bronchi, and trachea. Mucoactive drugs include expectorants, mucolytics, mucoregulators, and mucok ...
, painkiller, antifungal oil and skin mite reducer. The oil is produced by steam distillation of the ''Melaleuca leucadendra'' and ''Melaleuca quinquenervia'' species. A similar essential oil known as tea tree oil is extracted from the species ''Melaleuca alternifolia
''Melaleuca alternifolia'', commonly known as tea tree, is a species of tree or tall shrub in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Endemic to Australia, it occurs in southeast Queensland and the north coast and adjacent ranges of New South Wales wher ...
,'' a native of Australia. ''Melaleuca'' pollen can be an allergen and tea tree oil may cause allergic reactions for some people. Cajeput trees grown in Australia are well known for having powerful therapeutic properties. Compared to other countries, Australia's cajeput contains high amounts of anti-infectious properties (cineol, pinene and others), and is a favorite among health professionals.
References
Trees of Australia Melaleuca Myrtales of Australia Plant common names {{Australia-rosid-stub