Leptospermum scoparium
J.R.Forst.&G.Forst.
Tea Tree, Broom teatree, Manuka, New Zealand Tea Tree
iNaturalist· cc0
no rights reserved, uploaded by Peter de Lange
iNaturalist· cc0
no rights reserved, uploaded by Peter de Lange
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) kiwihunter, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by kiwihunter
Description
Leptospermum scoparium is an evergreen Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Edible Uses
Tea. The fresh, pungent leaves are a fragrant and refreshing tea substitute. Of excellent quality, in taste trials this species has often received higher marks than the traditional China tea obtained from Camellia sinensis. It is important to brew the leaves for considerably longer than normal teas to ensure the flavour is released into the water. A sweet manna is sometimes exuded from the stems as a result of insect damage. Another report says that manna is reported to form on the leaves.
Distribution
Australia and New Zealand
Where It Grows
AUSTRALASIA: Australia (Tasmania, New South Wales (southeast), Victoria (west)), New Zealand (Chatham Islands Territory, North Island, South Island, Stewart Island)
Cultivation
Succeed in almost any neutral or acid soil of good or reasonable quality, preferring a light sandy loam and full sun. Succeeds in dry soils. Prefers a position sheltered from hot or cold drying winds. We have found the plants to be fairly tolerant of maritime exposure. The plant only succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of Britain. Hardy to about -10°c, succeeding outdoors in most of Southern Britain. A polymorphic species, many forms have been developed for their ornamental value. There are some dwarf varieties that grow very well in pots in cold greenhouses and conservatories. Resents root disturbance. Plants do not regenerate from old wood. The bruised leaves and the flowers are pleasantly aromatic. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, and give some protection from the cold for their first winter or two outdoors. The seed remains viable for many years. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8 cm with a heel, early August in a frame. Over-winter in the greenhouse for its first year. Good percentage. Cuttings of almost mature wood, 4 - 5 cm with a heel, October/November in a frame. Good percentage.
Other Uses
Dye Hedge Hedge Insecticide Roofing Wood. This species can be grown as a hedge in the milder areas of Britain and is reasonably tolerant of maritime exposure. Plants should not be trimmed back into old wood, however, because they do not regenerate from such treatment. A yellow-green dye is obtained from the flowers, branches and leaves. A greenish-black dye is obtained from the flowers. Source of an insecticide (no further details). Wood - red, strong, elastic. Used for inlay work, cabinet making etc. The bark is used for roofing huts.
