Paperbark “Balawun.ga”

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Melaleuca quinquenervia - This is a medium sized tall tree with leathery  leaves that are alternately positioned and have five distinctive  longitudinal veins.  Thick soft papery bark in cream to brown shades.  Its flowers are white bottlebrush like and occur in late Summer to  Autumn. The bark was traditionally used for wrapping food for cooking,  lining cradles, to stuff pillows and as emergency bandages. Prefers full sun to light shade.

Click the video link to hear the name in Gumbaynggirr language.