Melaleuca cajeputi Powell

Tree, 8-15 m tall, of the formations of back - mangrove but being able to grow as well far from the coast, spread on the bank of the Pacific. Half-hard half-heavy wood, affected by decay, not used in construction. When remaining in mud, it mineralizes itself and hardens: so it is much used to strengthen the wet grounds before building. Bark supplying a nice-smelling resin used for the preparation of incense sticks. The barks are used also for the caulking of boats and jars. They may also be used to cover huts and to make torches. By distillation, an essential oil with a camphorated smell is extracted from leaves, "essence de cajeput", used in inhalation against the colds and in friction or application against rheumatisms.