Gelam (cajuput tree) Melaleuca cajuputi
Gelam (cajuput tree) (Melaleuca cajuputi) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Myrtaceae family, native to Indochina and Malesia to northern Australia, including Singapore (coastal swamp and seasonally flooded land). It grows 10–25 m (33–82 ft) tall and 5–8 m (16–26 ft) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about 3 °C (37 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
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Gelam (cajuput tree) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Mature height | 10–25 m (33–82 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–8 m (16–26 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance high |
| Soil pH | 4–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 3 °C (37 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Indochina and Malesia to northern Australia, including Singapore (coastal swamp and seasonally flooded land) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Gelam (cajuput tree) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: essential oil
Cajuput oil, like tea tree oil, is poisonous if swallowed and harmful to cats and dogs on the skin.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Gelam (cajuput tree)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and high water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Guava: Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) infects guava, feijoa, Surinam cherry and many other Myrtaceae; it spreads by airborne spores between them. Evidence B
Questions about Gelam (cajuput tree)
- How far apart should I plant Gelam (cajuput tree)?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–8 m (16–26 ft).
- Does Gelam (cajuput tree) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Gelam (cajuput tree) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance high.
- How cold-hardy is Gelam (cajuput tree)?
- It tolerates about 3 °C (37 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Gelam (cajuput tree) flower?
- From about March for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Gelam (cajuput tree) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people mildly toxic. Cajuput oil, like tea tree oil, is poisonous if swallowed and harmful to cats and dogs on the skin.
- What grows well with Gelam (cajuput tree)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Gelam (cajuput tree). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Freshwater or peat swamp plant: needs permanently wet, acidic, waterlogged ground.
- Thick, white, papery bark peeling in sheets; spikes of cream "bottlebrush" flowers; the leaves yield cajuput oil. Recovers from fire by resprouting.
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon myrtle Backhousia citriodora
- Guava Psidium guajava
- Feijoa Acca sellowiana
- Surinam cherry (pitanga) Eugenia uniflora
- Cider gum (eucalyptus) Eucalyptus gunnii
- Lilly pilly Syzygium smithii
- Crimson bottlebrush Melaleuca citrina
- Mānuka (tea tree) Leptospermum scoparium