Cajuput

Cajuput is a small to medium tree 10–25 m tall (sometimes to 35 m) with a straight trunk and open crown. The bark is pale grey-white, thin and peeling in papery layers — characteristic of the genus Melaleuca. The leaves are alternate, narrow lanceolate, stiff, 5–12 cm long and dotted with tiny oil glands; crushed, they give a strong, pleasant aroma. The small cream-white flowers, with numerous stamens, are borne in dense, brush-like spikes at the ends of the branches. The fruit is a small woody capsule, arranged in rows along the branches and persisting for a long time.

Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/09/2026

Melaleuca cajuputi originates in northern Australia, New Guinea and Indonesia and has spread across South-East Asia. It is exceptionally tolerant of seasonally flooded ground, acid sulfate (alum) soils and even fire, which makes it a key species for reafforesting and reclaiming acid sulfate soils in the Mekong Delta, especially the U Minh and Plain of Reeds melaleuca forests. Melaleuca forests also provide habitat for many aquatic species and act as an important water buffer.

Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/09/2026

The leaves yield essential oil by steam distillation; cajuput oil is rich in 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), usually over 50%, together with terpinen-4-ol, α-terpineol, limonene and sesquiterpenes (aromadendrene, viridiflorol). It is 1,8-cineole that gives the cooling sensation and the mild expectorant and antibacterial effects. The leaves also contain flavonoids, tannins and terpenoids, and the bark contains tannins. Oil composition varies with season, leaf age and growing region.

Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/09/2026

Cajuput oil is widely used for rubbing on the skin in colds, headache, nasal congestion and muscle aches, and in some antibacterial and mosquito-repellent preparations; the vapour is also inhaled to relieve colds. Melaleuca is planted in forests to reclaim acid sulfate soils and retain water in U Minh and the Plain of Reeds; the forests yield the well-known melaleuca honey, poles, firewood and packing material. It is also grown as a windbreak, firebreak and ornamental, and in folk medicine across countries the leaves and oil are used for stomach-ache and diarrhoea.

Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/09/2026

Melaleuca cajuputi is listed as Least Concern (LC) by IUCN and is widely planted to green acid sulfate soils; however, natural melaleuca forests are shrinking through conversion to farmland, logging and fire, so important wetland forests need protection. As for safety, concentrated cajuput oil must not be swallowed, should not be applied over large areas of skin in young children, and must be kept away from the eyes and mucous membranes; people allergic to essential oils and pregnant women should be cautious. The oil should be diluted for rubbing and stored in a cool, dry place.

Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/09/2026