Melaleuca leucadendra (L.) L.

Kayu putih (Melaleuca leucadendra) is a tree up to 22-43 meters tall of the Myrtaceae family, native to Maluku and northern Australia, now distributed across Java, Nusa Tenggara, and Papua. This plant is the main source of the world-renowned cajuput oil, while its trunk is used as building material. Cajuput oil is traditionally believed to relieve sinus problems, malaria, and rheumatism.

This plant grows well in tropical and subtropical lowlands at elevations up to 800 m above sea level, rainfall 800-1,400 mm/year. Suitable for moist soil with pH 6-7, fertile soil, and prefers full sunlight.

• Root a taproot, light brown in color.
• Stem round, woody, many branches, dirty white in color and bark easily peels off.
• Leaves single, ovate, pointed tip and base, flat edges, pinnate venation, whitish-green.
• Flowers compound, spike-shaped, growing at the terminal tip of twigs and leaf axils. Sepals green, corolla white, stamens longer than the other floral parts.
• Fruit a bell-shaped capsule, 6-7 mm in diameter, dirty white in color.
• Seeds small, round.

Propagated generatively (seed) and vegetatively (shoot cuttings with rejuvenation technique, branch cuttings, shoot cuttings, root cuttings, air layering).

(E-)-nerolidol, β-caryophyllene, viridiflorol, (E)-β-farnesene, alpha-humulene, tannin, lignin, melaleucin, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, eugenol, limonene, eucalyptol, volatile.

Treats sinus problems, malaria, bronchitis, sore throat, burns, rheumatism, diarrhea, acne bruises, hiccups, relieves earache, headache, skin inflammation, toothache, gout.

• Take kayu putih leaves. Wash the leaves thoroughly to remove dirt then place in a clean container.
• Air-dry in a shaded place until completely dry.
• Once dry, store in a closed container.

Inggolom (Batak), Gelam (Sunda, Java), Ghelam (Madura), Ngelak (Roti), Calam (Dayak), Baru galang (Makassar), Waru galang (Bugis), Irano (Amahai), Ilano (Nusa Laut, Saparua), Elan (Buru).