ISHS Acta Horticulturae 331: WOCMAP I - Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Conference: part 3 of 4
THE POTENTIAL FOR TEA TREE OIL PRODUCTION IN NORTHERN AUSTRALIA |
| Authors: | I.A. Southwell, R.W. Wilson |
| Keywords: | Melaleuca, essential oil, natural stand, plantation |
| Abstract:
Australian tea tree oil (oil of Melaleuca, terpinen-4-ol type) is an ideal example of a medicinal aromatic plant of benefit for human welfare because of intrinsic medical properties and ability to create a positive cashflow. Other tea tree oils also have the potential to produce useful commercial oils. This paper presents preliminary findings from a phytochemical survey of the essential oil bearing flora of the Hope Vale district in north Queensland. Forty six samples representing twenty three species were investigated by IR, GC and GC-MS analysis of steam distilled oils. Melaleuca citrolens, a broadleaf lemon scented tea tree and M. viridiflora, rich in methyl cinnamate, showed the most promise for further commercial development. Also described is the first stage in the development of a plantation M. alternifolia (Terpinen 4-ol type) in the tropical north Queensland environment atypical of its subtropical natural environment. | |
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