Melaleuca alternifolia

Species of tree in the flowering plant family Myrtaceae

Speciesbox
|name = Tea tree
|image = Melaleuca alternifolia flowers. jpg
|image caption =
|genus = Melaleuca
|species = alternifolia
|authority = (Maiden & Betche) Cheel
|synonyms ref=

This species was first formally described in 1905 by Joseph Maiden and Ernst Betche and given the name Melaleuca linariifolia var. alternifolia in the Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales. In 1925, Edwin Cheel raised the variety to species status as Melaleuca alternifolia. The specific epithet (alternifolia) is derived from the Latin alternus meaning "alternate" and folium meaning "leaf", referring to the leaf arrangement.

Melaleuca alternifolia is endemic to Australia and is found from the Grafton district in New South Wales as far inland as Stroud and in coastal districts north to Maryborough in Queensland. It grows along streams and in swampy places.

This species grows well in a wide range of soils and climates. It prefers moist, but well drained soils and full sun. They also sprinkle leaves on wounds, after which a poultice is applied. In addition, tea tree leaves are soaked to make an infusion to treat sore throats or skin ailments. Characteristic of the myrtle family Myrtaceae, it is used to distill essential oil. Tea tree oil is commonly used as a treatment for acne, although evidence is limited that it is effective for this purpose. If ingested, tea tree oil is toxic with serious side effects, including coma, and may cause skin irritation if used topically in high concentrations. As of 2006, no deaths were reported in the medical literature.