Q: Can the melaleuca in Florida be used for any useful purposes?

A:  Because of melaleuca's potential for rapid growth, scientists looked to see if it would be a worthwhile commercial forestry crop. In the 1970's they tested melaleuca to see if it was usable for a variety of purposes, including:

• Fence posts
• Tomato stakes
• Fuel pellets
• Insulation
• Tannin for use in adhesives
• Lumber for pallets
• Wood pulp for paper

Results indicated that, for a multitude of reasons, mostly economical and environmental, melaleuca was unsuitable for commercial use, except as mulch.

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