Many native plant enthusiasts will readily identify the tall trees in the above photo as Paperbarks, but can you say exactly which species? If you’re unsure, you are with the majority.
On a recent outing, we learned from expert botanist Russell Cumming that these trees are Melaleuca aff. viridiflora (Myrtaceae), actually a new species hiding in plain sight!
As indicated by “aff.” in the botanical name, these trees are similar to, but distinct from the well established species Melaleauca viridiflora. Russell pointed out, recognition as a separate species is justified by consistent points of difference including smaller, greener leaves and whiter flowers (photo above) and a different flowering time.
In comparison to M. viridiflora, Melaleuca aff. viridiflora grows into a larger tree and prefers swampier habitats (photo above). Surprisingly, it has not yet been formally described although it is widespread and abundant, occuring from central QLD to Kakadu.
To fully appreciate all the differences between the two species, you need to see live specimens. However, flower differences are apparent in the following photos. The whiter flowers of Melaleuca aff. viridiflora are shown above, and below are the creamy-green flowers of Melaleuca viridiflora
There is also a very attractive but less common form of Melaleuca viridiflora that bears reddish flowers, photo below.
