Brown-throated Sunbird takes nectar from Melaleuca cajuputi

Johnny Wee’s image of the Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis) taking nectar from the tee tree or gelam (Melaleuca cajuputi) was taken in July 2013 at Singapore’s Pasir Ris Park. This tree is common in Malaysia, growing in swampy areas near the coast. It is a popular roadside and garden tree. The bark is whitish-grey, papery and flaky, thus its other common name, paper-bark tree. The flowers are small, in terminal bunches and with numerous, fluffy stamens. Fruits are small and woody. An oil is distilled from the leaves (that look like those of acacia), known as cajeput-oil and used medicinally.