Common names: niaouli, cajeput, punk tree, paper bark tree, bottlebrush

The niaouli plant is a flowering tree that is native to New Caledonia (but can also be found in Australia and New Guinea) and is used in modern medicine and aromatherapy techniques around the globe for decongestant, insecticidal and stimulant purposes. It is listed as being both an evergreen tree and a relative to the eucalyptus. The trunk is incredibly flexible and almost spongy and will purify the water in the surrounding root area, creating an overall healthier environment for the creatures that live near the niaouli. The trees create their own environment called “niaouli savannas” because of their high usage of water; for these reasons the plant is considered invasive in locations outside of Gondwanaland (particularly in Europe). They reproduce by seeding inside capsules which open during extreme heat (fire) or other natural disturbances, with the seeds then being dispersed in a wide range through wind and water.