This robust tree has a trunk with whitish thick papery bark spreading branches that form a broad rounded crown. It has dull green leathery lanced-shaped leaves and creamy white flowers appear in a terminal spike from autumn to winter.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Melaleuca quinquenervia is naturally found in Australia growing on the east coast from far north Queensland to New South Wales appearing along watercourses and around swamps. It grows in moderately well drained fertile moist soil in a open sunny to semi shaded position and is frost and salt tolerant but drought tender requireing reliable moisture. 

The Broad Leafed Paper Bark is grown for its habit and papery bark. It is planted in parks and large gardens as a lawn specimen or used in borders for screening. It is also planted around ponds or in damp positions tolerating temporary inundation and establishing in 3 to 5 years and is long lived. It is suitable for coastal positions tolerating salt laden winds and saline soils and the plant may be grown in containers when young or trained as a bonsai specimen. ID 495 

Note:
This tree may reach to 25m (75ft) in forest conditions and is a characteristic component of forest adjacent to coastal lakes in eastern Australia. Under cultivation it tends to be much smaller.

Melaleuca (me-la-LOO-ka) quinquenervia (kwen-kwe-NER-vee-ah)

'Melaleuca': from Greek melanos + leukos - black & white (refers to this species, M. quinquenervia, when first described, which had a burnt, blackened trunk and white branches); 'quinquenervia': five veins (refers to the leaf veins).

Myrtaceae (mir-TAY-see-ee)
Myrtle, Eucalyptus, Clove and Guava Family