Melaleuca Styphelioides (Prickly Paperbark)

Melaleuca Styphelioides, commonly known as the Prickly Paperbark, is a unique tree native to eastern Australia. This small to medium-sized tree grows up to 20 meters tall, showcasing a dense, rounded canopy with drooping branchlets. The striking white or light brown spongy bark peels off in large strips, creating a distinctive appearance. The prickly leaves are sharply pointed, ranging from 7–15 mm in length and 2.5–6 mm in width, with 15 to 30 veins running through them.

In summer, Melaleuca Styphelioides blooms with creamy-white, cylindrical “bottlebrush” spikes, 2 to 5 cm long. New growth often appears at the ends of these spikes. After flowering, grey-brown, woody capsules develop, adding texture to the tree. This species is ideal for creating a unique landscape feature in gardens or as a screening plant.