melaleuca

[ mel-uh-loo-kuh ]

noun

1. any of various chiefly Australian shrubs or trees belonging to the genus Melaleuca, of the myrtle family, including the cajeput and several species of bottlebrush.

melaleuca

/ ˌmɛləˈluːkə /

noun

1. any shrub or tree of the mostly Australian myrtaceous genus Melaleuca, found in sandy or swampy regions

Word History and Origins

Origin of melaleuca¹

< New Latin (Linnaeus), irregular coinage from Greek mélā ( s ) black + leukḗ, feminine of leukós white; so called from its black trunk and white branches

Word History and Origins

Origin of melaleuca¹

C19: New Latin, from Greek melas black + leukos white, from its black trunk and white branches

Example Sentences

According to federal court records, Nguyen didn’t like the decades-old melaleuca tree in the Wallingfords’ yard.

From Los Angeles Times

The chef’s kitchen and family room both open to a dining pergola complete with an alley of melaleuca trees.

From Los Angeles Times

Authorities introduced melaleuca to drain the Everglades.

From Slate

Clearing out rows of ornamental trees, with the assistance and support of superintendent Dennis Fowler, allows the eye to focus on the attractive remaining eucalyptus, melaleuca and Torrey pines.

From Golf Digest

The committee has about 30 members and is comprised of a cross-section of small and large business owners, including billionaire Frank Vandersloot, founder of wellness shopping club Melaleuca.

From Washington Times