Melaleuca styphelioides Prickly-Leaved Paperbark

Melaleuca styphelioides, commonly known as the Prickly-Leaved Paperbark, is a distinctive Australian native tree prized for its ornamental bark, dense foliage and adaptability. Naturally found along the east coast of Australia, it develops a dense, rounded canopy with gracefully weeping branchlets, making it an excellent choice for shade, screening or as a feature tree. One of its most striking characteristics is its thick, papery bark, which peels away in soft white to light brown layers, adding year-round texture and interest. During summer, the tree is covered in masses of creamy-white bottlebrush-style flowers that are rich in nectar and highly attractive to bees, butterflies and native birds. These blooms are followed by small woody seed capsules that remain on the branches, providing additional seasonal appeal. The small, prickly leaves create a fine-textured appearance while giving the tree its common name.

Soil: Adaptable to most soil types.

Conditions: Full sun. Coastal, frost and drought tolerant.

Size: Height 8-15m x width 3-5m