Gelam Tree

The Gelam tree is what gave Kampong Glam its name. Also known as cajaput tree,

The Gelam tree is what gave Kampong Glam its name. Also known as cajaput tree, kayu putih, paper bark, swamp tea tree or just tea tree, it is an evergreen tree belonging to the guava family. Its alternate stalked leaves have leathery leaf blades that are elliptic to lance-shaped-elliptic, greyish green, with distinct longitudinal veins. Its flowering shoot is a densely flowered single spike. Its tiny flowers have white, greenish-white or cream petals. Its fruits are cup shaped to round and contain many tiny seeds. It grows on coastal swampy lowlands. It can be found in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and northern Australia. It is extinct in the wilds of Singapore and can only be found cultivated in parks or streets. One of its distinctive feature is the trunk which is spongy to the touch, and covered with flaky bark. The plant can be grown successfully on exposed brackish and water logged soil.

it is a good wood for fuel, making piles, poles and posts. The timber is used for construction and flooring. The soft bark is used as a packing material, in making boats, mattresses, pillows and as an insulator. The leaves have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and are traditionally used against burns, colds, dyspepsia, influenza and pain. Cajaput oil distilled from the leaves can be used to treat a variety of illnesses. The oil can also be used to add flavor in cooking, and fragrance to cosmetics, detergents, perfumes and soaps.

Do you know .... cajaput oil is a key ingredient in our Singapore famous medical ointment Tiger Balm.

Gelam (Melaleuca cajuputi) is a widely-distributed species that can be found in Southeast Asia, New Guinea and even in Australia. Our Kampong Glam is named after this tree! This hardy and fast-growing species can tolerate all sorts of tough conditions, including drought, poor soils, and even fire. Gelam is most easily recognised by its thick, white and papery bark that can be peeled off in large flakes like sheets of paper, thus its other common name – the Paper Bark Tree. Other easily identifiable features of Gelam include its thick leathery leaves which emit a “tea tree” fragrance when crushed, and its creamy-white “spiky” flowers that are frequently visited by sunbirds.