Melaleuca ericifolia, commonly known as swamp paperbark, is a plant in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae and the genus Melaleuca, native to south-eastern Australia. It is a rather variable species and some specimens resemble Melaleuca armillaris but its papery bark and smaller, more prolific flower heads distinguish it from that species. It often grows in swampy areas and the draining and clearing of these has reduced the numbers of the species, especially around Port Philip Bay near Melbourne. It is also similar to Melaleuca pustulata, a Tasmanian endemic, but that species only grows in dry heath.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of Swamp Paperbark being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Melaleuca armillaris
- Melaleuca lanceolata
- Melaleuca parvistaminea
- Melaleuca preissiana
- Melaleuca decora
- Melaleuca incana
Classification
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Phylum
- Tracheophyta
- Class
- Magnoliopsida
- Order
- Myrtales
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Genus
- Melaleuca
- Species
- Melaleuca ericifolia
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