In the aboriginal history of Australia, the leaves of Melaleuca were used as a herbal tea, which has given the common name tea tree oil to the Melaleuca alternifolia. The oil is produced by water or steam distillation of the leaves and twigs. Two main origins are traded in large volumes; China and Australia. The total production can vary wildly from year to year as the plants are prone to suffer from drought conditions or the fields are subject to floodings, especially in Australia. The market price is therefore quite volatile.