While the Niaouli tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia)5, which grows in homogeneous clusters, is not endemic to New Caledonia, it became representative of Caledonian landscape.
It occupies nearly half of the area on Grand Terre, specifically. It is found mainly on the West Coast and in the Northern part of the territory.
It proliferates due to its resistance to fire. The flame retardant properties of its wood allow the niaouli (melaleuca) to survive fires and replace other species that are destroyed.
Similar to Australian Eucalyptus, niaouli (melaleuca) has a flexible habitat. It can be found in swamps as well at over 1,000 m altitude as on the Dogny plateau (town of La Foa), where it grows as a natural bonsai.
This tree with a thick bark, composed of 10-20 layers, has numerous uses.
As it blossoms twice a year, its white bottlebrush flowers, rich in nectar, are visited by birds and especially by bees that make an excellent honey out of it.
The virtues of niaouli (melaleuca) have been known for a long time. In the tribes, the Kanak people used them traditionally for their curative properties. The niaouli (melaleuca) is sold as an essence in all the pharmacies in New Caledonia for their therapeutic virtues that have been always recognized.
It is also used for construction. Its bark is a highly sought after: its « peau » - i.e. the "skin" of niaouli (melaleuca) is used to coat the walls and roofs of the huts.
Characteristics
Virtues
