Visitors to the Sensory Gardens are quickly entranced by the scent, colours, textures and sounds of the carefully chosen plants, water features and garden elements.
The Melaleuca quinquenervia commonly known as the Broad-leaved Paperbark was chosen for the Sensory Gardens because of its aromatic leaves, long flowering period and a textured bark which is so visually attractive that it is almost impossible to resist touching it.
Multiple thin layers of soft pliable bark part from the trunk like the leaves of an ancient tattered book – an appropriate metaphor because this tree has a fascinating story.
Melaleuca quinquenervia is native to New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and coastal eastern Australia, from Botany Bay NSW into Queensland. It is widespread in coastal swamps and along lake margins. It grows 10-15m high and can live for over one hundred years.
Flowering occurs from autumn to winter. The scented white or cream flowers are arranged in cylindrical brushes at or near the end of the branches. They are followed by small woody seed pods containing many tiny seeds which are easy to collect and grow.
It is known for its ability to withstand drought and flood, and to quickly regenerate after fire. Its native habitat in Australia is under threat but it has been classified as a noxious weed in six US states.
Melaleuca quinquenervia has multiple uses, and is widely used traditionally by indigenous Australians.
The soft pliable bark was used for sleeping mats, lean-to shelters, dressing wounds and for wrapping food for cooking.
Crushing the leaves releases the aromatic oils which were traditionally used to relieve headaches, blocked sinuses, and coughs.
The wood is suitable for light construction but contains silica, which blunts saws and planes.
The essential oil of Melaleuca quinquenervia is used in cosmetic products.
The Sensory Gardens has a small stand of Melaleuca quinquenervia near the white, rose covered arbour.
By Ian McAlister & Karen Hagan