Broad-leaved paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia)

How to identify a broad-leaved paperbark

Look for thick, pale cream to white bark that peels away in soft, layered sheets like old paper. The leaves are flat, leathery and 3 to 7 cm long, with five veins running lengthwise, which is the best clue, because several other paperbarks share the same peeling bark. Creamy white flowers form short bottlebrush spikes near the branch tips, mainly in autumn. Small woody capsules follow, packed in rows around the stems and holding very fine seed.

Growing a broad-leaved paperbark in Brisbane

This tree belongs here. It grows wild around Brisbane's wetlands, creeks and coastal flats, and Brisbane City Council lists it as a street tree for its coastal, wetland, creek-side and plains precincts, on verges wider than 5 metres. It handles soggy, poorly drained ground better than most trees, which makes it useful for low, wet corners of a large yard. Give it room to reach 8 to 12 metres, and plant it well away from sewer and water pipes.

What to watch out for

The roots are the main issue. Unitywater lists broad-leaved paperbark among the trees not to plant near water and sewer pipes, and Urban Utilities advises avoiding water-seeking trees such as paperbarks near sewers and planting trees at least 3 metres from pipes. In the street it needs a verge wider than 5 metres and shouldn't go under power lines.

Pruning and care

Once established, broad-leaved paperbark needs very little care. Prune to remove dead, damaged or crossing branches and to keep limbs clear of roofs and paths, and avoid heavy cuts that leave the canopy unbalanced. Leave the papery bark on the trunk: it protects the tree and gives shelter to small animals, so don't strip it for garden use. It is hardy across a range of climates. Large limbs near a house are a job for a qualified arborist.

• Tree pruning
• Tree removal
• Stump grinding
• Tree health assessment