Melaleuca arcana facts for kids

The Melaleuca arcana is a small tree or a large bush. It belongs to the Myrtaceae family, which is also known as the myrtle family. This plant grows only in the Cape York Peninsula in northern Australia, meaning it is endemic there. It has unique papery bark and produces small clusters of white flowers during the summer.

What Does It Look Like?

Melaleuca arcana can grow from about 0.5 m (2 ft) (about 1.5 feet) up to 15 m (50 ft) (about 49 feet) tall. It has whitish bark that feels like paper. Its leaves are arranged one after another along the stem. They are usually 23–75 mm (0.9–3 in) long and 7–26 mm (0.3–1 in) wide. The leaves are shaped like a wide egg with a rounded tip. You can see 5 to 11 lines, or veins, running side-by-side on each leaf.

The flowers are white or cream-colored, and sometimes they have a hint of pink. They grow in small clusters at the ends of branches. Even after the flowers bloom, the branches keep growing! You can also find flower clusters where the leaves meet the stem. These flower heads are about 18 mm (0.7 in) across. Each head has 5 to 11 groups of flowers, with three flowers in each group. The plant's stamens (the parts that make pollen) are arranged in 5 bundles around the flowers. Each bundle has 6 to 9 stamens.

This melaleuca can flower at different times throughout the year. After flowering, it produces woody capsules (seed pods) that are 2.5–4 mm (0.1–0.2 in) long. These capsules grow in cylinder-shaped spikes. The seeds inside are released within a year once the fruits are fully grown.

How It Got Its Name

This plant was first officially described in 1968 by a scientist named Stanley Thatcher Blake. He found a sample of the plant north-west of Cooktown and west of Cape Bedford, in Three Islands National Park.

The second part of its scientific name, arcana, comes from a Latin word. Arcanus means "secret" or "mysterious." This name was chosen because the plant seemed to be quite rare when it was first discovered.

Where Does It Grow?

Melaleuca arcana grows along the east coast of the Cape York Peninsula. You can find it in the low, wet areas called swales that are located between sand dunes.

Is It Endangered?

Good news! This melaleuca is not considered to be in danger. The Government of Queensland's Nature Conservation Act 1992 lists it as "of least concern." This means there are enough of these plants, and they are not at risk of disappearing.

What Is It Used For?

Helping the Environment

This plant is very helpful for keeping sand in place along coastal areas. Its roots help to hold the soil together, which stops erosion. It's also a good source of honey, which is great for bees and beekeepers!

Strong Wood

The wood from Melaleuca arcana is strong and can be used for things like fence posts and railway ties (the wooden beams that support train tracks).

Growing in Gardens

Sometimes, Melaleuca arcana is a better choice for a street tree than Melaleuca leucadendron. This is because Melaleuca arcana stays smaller when it's fully grown. It has been successfully grown as far south as Brisbane.