Leptospermum scoparium
| Leptospermum scoparium | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-7.3 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 16' |
| Width: | 10' |
| Speed: | Moderate |
| Blooms: | Late Spring-Early Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Leptospermum scoparium (common name: tea tree)
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[1].
Cuttings of almost mature wood, 4 - 5 cm with a heel, October/November in a frame. Good percentage[1].
Cultivation: Succeed in almost any neutral or acid soil of good or reasonable quality[2], preferring a light sandy loam and full sun[2]. 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[K].
The plant only succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of Britain. Hardy to about -10°c, succeeding outdoors in most of Southern Britain[3].
A polymorphic species, many forms have been developed for their ornamental value[4]. There are some dwarf varieties that grow very well in pots in cold greenhouses and conservatories[5].
Resents root disturbance. Plants do not regenerate from old wood[2].
The bruised leaves and the flowers are pleasantly aromatic[6][7].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[2].
Range: Australia and New Zealand
Habitat: Many habitats in lowland to alpine areas, North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands[8]. Rocky and sandy heathland, often by streams[5].
Edibility: The fresh, pungent leaves are a fragrant and refreshing tea substitute[9][10][11]. Of excellent quality, in taste trials this species has often received higher marks than the traditional China tea obtained from Camellia sinensis[K]. It is important to brew the leaves for considerably longer than normal teas to ensure the flavour is released into the water[K].
A sweet manna is sometimes exuded from the stems as a result of insect damage[10][12]. Another report says that manna is reported to form on the leaves[11].
Usage: This species can be grown as a hedge in the milder areas of Britain[2] 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[13].
A greenish-black dye is obtained from the flowers[13].
Source of an insecticide[10] (no further details).
Wood - red, strong, elastic. Used for inlay work, cabinet making etc[14].
The bark is used for roofing huts[14].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Wind: Tolerates strong winds
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheat, Wilfrid. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. St Martin, 1948.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Shrubs. Pan Books, 1989.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray, 1992.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2. Pan Books, London, 1998.
- ↑ Grey-Wilson, Christopher and Victoria Matthews. Gardening on Walls. Collins, 1983.
- ↑ Genders, Roy. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale, 1994.
- ↑ Allan, Harry. Flora of New Zealand. Government Printer Publications, 1961.
- ↑ Cribb, Alan and Joan Cribb. Wild Food in Australia. Fontana, 1976.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Brooker, Stanley. Economic Native Plants of New Zealand. Oxford University Press, 1991.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ Crowe, Andrew. Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Hodder and Stoughton, 1990.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Grae, Ida. Nature's Colors. MacMillan Publishing, 1974.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.