This tree was introduced to Hawai'i and has become an incredibly invasive weed in the Hawaiian islands. Common names are paperbark tea tree, punk tree, niaouli. It is commonly used here in public parks, gardens, and other suburban green spaces as an ornamental and shade tree. It is also used as a windbreak or screen tree.

In it's original, native Australian habitat, this tree is found in swamps and floodplains meaning it tolerates waterlogged, soggy and silty soil.

Lumber from this tree has been used in everything from carving, cabinets, boatbuilding, fencing posts, veneers and more. It is readily worked and takes a good finish. It is known to be termite resistant. Wood grain is straight to irregular-wavy. It is fine grained and fairly uniform. It conveys no odor or taste.