Melaleuca styphelioides: is a member of the Myrtaceae family and is known as the Prickly Paperbark.
Melaleuca styphelioides is a small to medium tree with grey to brown papery bark. Leaves are ovate, dark green and have a sharp point (hence the common name). Flower heads are terminal, white, profuse and showy. Flowering occurs in late spring and summer.
Foliage, flowers and bark are all attractive features. The bark is used in bark paintings.
The Prickly Paperbark grows along stream banks and low-lying areas. In cultivation, the species will also survive and thrive in well-drained situations.
Melaleuca styphelioides is probably too large for the average suburban garden. Rural shelterbelts and windbreaks would benefit from the inclusion of the Prickly Paperbark. The species could also be cultivated as a “stand alone” specimen in country gardens.
Melaleuca styphelioides occurs from south-eastern Queensland to south-eastern New South Wales usually in coastal areas.
Propagate from seed or cuttings.

Plants