Practical information to identify and manage non-native, invasive plants and animals
The Quiet Invasion:A Guide to Invasive Species of the Galveston Bay Area
Melaleuca quinquenervia
| USDA Symbol: | MEQU |
| ITIS TSN: | 27228 |
| Presence: | Species of Concern |
| Habitat: | Terrestrial |
| Native Range: | Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia |
Toxic Characteristics
Acts as an irritant to the skin and respiratory system in sensitive people.Geographic Distribution
Currently only reported in Florida and Louisiana. While not established, has high potential for invasion in the Lower Galveston Bay watershed.Introduction Pathways
First planted as a small forest in southern Florida in 1912, and any consequent disturbance encouraged its spread. Was often planted with the intent of drying up swamps.Specific Primary Habitats
Requires moist soil conditions. Prefers wet or intermittently wet subtropical prairies and marshes. Once established, will invade upland pineywoods as well as hardwood bottomlands.Identifying Characteristics
The bark of this tree is gray-white and readily peels off the trunk in paper-like sheets. Evergreen leaves are simple, narrow and ovate, and alternately arranged. They are 2 - 8 in. long and 3/8 - 1/2 in. wide. Flowers occur in terminal bottlebrush-like clusters of ivory-colored spikes. Fruit is found in groups of 30 - 70 woody capsules, each containing many tiny seeds.Reproduction Characteristics
Abundant seed production and dispersal is the primary mode of reproduction. After three years, becomes a prolific seed producer, later reaching as many as 1 million seeds/tree in a year.Growth Characteristics
Melaleuca can reach 80 feet in height. Also has the remarkable ability to create a stand of trees 600 feet in diameter, in one year from one tree.Ecological, Economic, or Social Impact
Melaleuca rapidly colonizes wetlands, turning grassy marshes into forests and displacing nearly all native vegetation. Dramatically changes natural wildlife habitats, fire regimes, and soil hydrology.Control
Requires long-term commitment for eradication. Biological control (snout beetle) is being investigated. Hand pulling of seedlings is effective, hitting regrowth with herbicide. Note: Herbicide will cause trees to release large quantities of stored seeds.|
Native Species Alternatives
Below is a list of alternative plants that are native to the area:
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Lists
This species belongs to the following lists:
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Images
To view a larger version of an image, click on the thumbnail. Melaleuca foliage. Photo courtesy of USDA APHIS Archives, USDA APHIS, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1149043. |
 Infestation of melaleuca in a large wetland. Photo courtesy of Randy Westbrooks, U.S. Geological Survey, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1299121. |
 Melaleuca infestation in an island of a large wetland. Photo courtesy of Randy Westbrooks, U.S. Geological Survey, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1299151. |
 Treatment of melaleuca infestation. Photo courtesy of Stephen Ausmus, USDA Agricultural Research Service, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1355046. |
 Melaleuca forests can reach over 60 feet in height. Photo courtesy of Stephen Ausmus, USDA Agricultural Research Service, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1355048. |
 Close-up of leaves and the melaleuca leaf weevil. Photo courtesy of Willey Durden, USDA Agricultural Research Service, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 4723016. |
 Close up of fruit, woody capsules. Photo courtesy of the Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk project (HEAR); www.hear.org |
 Branches of melaleuca. Photo courtesy of the Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk project (HEAR); www.hear.org |
 Close up of melaleuca flower and leaves. Photo courtesy of Hawaii's Most Invasive Horticultural Plants - Hawaii DLNR/DOFAW; http://www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dofaw/hortweeds/ |