Tree of the Week: the paperbark

Good morning, it's a clear and beautiful one in my little corner of Los Angeles. As nice a day as it is, though, there are two words that jumped out at me from today's Tree of the Week from Pieter Severynen. The words, sadly, are "highly flammable."

The paperbark tree --  Melaleuca quinquenervia

The paperbark, also known as cajeput or punk tree, is a member of the myrtle family, which also includes eucalyptus and callistemon, or bottlebrush. Melaleuca is native to Australia, Malaysia and New Caledonia. The first thing one notices about this tree are the exfoliating layers of cream- or light brown-colored, thin papery bark, stacked like pages of a book and spongy to the touch. They are great for climbing and nail sharpening, as countless squirrels and cats have demonstrated. The tree is very popular because it looks quite attractive when young and its problems do not become visible until midlife.

Fast growing to an open-crowned, 20- to 40-foot-tall, 15- to 25-foot-wide evergreen tree with pendulous young branches, the tree carries stiff, narrow, 2- to 5-foot-long pale green leaves that are covered with silky hair when young. In summer and fall, yellowish-white, 2- to 3-foot-long flower spikes appear, followed by woody capsules filled with tiny seeds. After several years it turns out that the root flare (the thickening trunk just above the ground and roots) just doesn’t stop gaining girth and will happily overtake or obliterate any nearby vegetation or pavement. In other words, it needs a lot of room. The tree is drought-resistant but can take much water; however, given its insatiable thirst and resulting growth, it is best to keep it on a low-water diet once it has become established.

The tree was introduced in South Florida in the early 1900s for landscaping and for "swamp drying." It did the latter job well. So spectacularly well, in fact, that now it has invaded hundreds of thousands of acres within the Everglades and is considered an extremely invasive, noxious weed. Within three years after germination the tree can produce a million seeds, it is highly flammable and crowds out all other plants. In reaction to stress, including herbicides and fire, the tree aggressively spreads its seeds. It should not be planted in any moist tropical or subtropical area; it has also become an invader in Hawaii after having escaped cultivation there.

Thanks, Pieter.
Your thoughts? Comments? E-mail story tips to peter.viles@latimes.com
Photo Credit: Pieter Severynen

Comments

[Wes Boudville]

In Australia, the bark is often used as toilet paper. When you're out in the bush and caught short, look for the nearest paperbark tree. The bark can be easily peeled off, and its soft, absorbant texture is far preferable to using gum tree leaves.

[Uncle Billy Went to Washington]

How many different candidates are there for tree of the week? How many total types of trees in los angeles county?

[MyLessThanPrimeBeef]

The tree is very popular because it looks quite attractive when young and its problems do not become visible until midlife.

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I would think that anyone who is familiar with human babies should be well prepared to deal with that particular problem.

And as those on one side claim they don't trust anyone over 30, period, the other side should not trust those under 30 with their political choices either.

As for this neutral observer, I know if I were to meet myself younger than 30, I wouldn't trust him either. I don't think he should vote.

[Jim Johnson CRS]

Great Blog! I have been selling real estate in Bend Oregon since 1981 and find it refreshing to find a helpful blog like yours! Keep up the good work!

http://www.bendoregonrealestateexpert.com/

[syscom3]

Why are "flammable" tree's even allowed in this state?

[Keith]

This tree is singled out for being flammable ?
Please point out the tree(s) that aren't - that would be more news worthy.