Saltwater paperbark

Saltwater paperbark (Melaleuca cuticularis)

Saltwater paperbark is found near saline or brackish water, with the Swan estuary its most northern occurrence.  It has a gnarled appearance, growing up to 7 m tall but often smaller. Its bark is whiter than other Perth paperbarks.  It’s small dull green leaves form in two opposite pairs, and the small woody fruits look star-shaped from above.  Flowers are produced in spring.

Ref:

“Leaf and branch: trees and tall shrubs of Perth” by Robert Powell. Published by the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation, 2009.

“Common trees of the south-west forests” by Judy Wheeler. Published by the Western Australian Department of Conservation and Land Management.