<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>The volatile leaf oils of <jats:italic>Melaleuca globifera</jats:italic> R. Br., M. <jats:italic>lateriflora</jats:italic> Benth., <jats:italic>M. symphyocarpa</jats:italic> F. Muell. and <jats:italic>M. uncinata</jats:italic> R. Br., isolated by steam distillation, were analysed by GC–MS. All oils were entirely terpenoid with 1,8‐cineole as their main component. <jats:italic>M. uncinata</jats:italic> exists in several chemical varieties which can be distinguished according to their 1,8‐cineole and eudesmol contents.