The gelam tree is native to many parts of the Malay Archipelago, including Singapore, as well as in eastern Australia and New Guinea. The evergreen tree can grow to a height of 20 metres, and its leaves are often used to yield cajuput oil, which is then used in various medicinal products including Tiger Balm. Kampong Gelam in Singapore, for instance, is also said to be named after the presence of these trees in the area.