This essential oil is sourced from the Cajeput tree, which is a common name used for certain members of the genus Melaleuca. These trees are evergreens with pointed leaves having white, red or green flowers. The trees are widely known for their essential oils that have many aromatherapeutic and herbal uses. M. cajuputi is a long-lived, moderately fast-growing tropical tree adapted to both waterlogged and well drained soils. On soils subject to prolonged waterlogging it develops aerial adventitious roots, which can form buttresses on the lower trunk. Like all melaleucas, it does not develop dormant buds and grows whenever conditions are favourable. After bush fires, it will regenerate by seed, coppicing and from root suckers.

Cajeput, a cousin of the Tea tree, grows in the seasonally inundated, swampy areas of Malaysia. In allusion to the colour of its bark it is sometimes known as White Tea tree. Locally it is considered a cure all a whole apothecary in a tree, especially valued by those who have limited access to other remedies. It is somewhat milder and less overpowering than Tea tree oil, but can be used in much the same way. It is one of the chief ingredients in Oil of Olbas and Tiger Balm.