Paperbark (Melaleuca leucadendra)

Family: Myricaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

covered with thick and white papery bark and can be up to 150 cm in diameter. It is moderately fast-growing and can survive forest fires. The leaves are alternate, wide, flat, and covered with fine hairs. The flowers are cream or white. The fruit is a woody capsule. Paperbark yields an essential oil used as food flavoring. The essential oil from the leaves has medicinal uses as well.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring in items such as candy, baked goods, condiments, relishes etc. — The essential oil is used as a flavouring in items such as candy, baked goods, condiments, relishes etc.; The fruits and leaves are used to make a tea.

Habitat & North American Range

Found mainly on flat or very gentle topography, especially river flats, coastal plains or seasonal swamps, at elevations up to 800 metres. (Zone 10)