Leptospermum scoparium 'Grandiflorum'

Published: July 2008

Leptospermum is a genus of about 80-86 species of plants in the myrtle family Myrtaceae. They are indigenous to both Australia, where it is know as the tea bush or tea tree and New Zealand where, as the Manuka it has been declared a noxious weed.

The common name of 'tea tree' used for some species of Leptospermum derives from the practice of early Australian settlers of soaking the leaves of several species in boiling water to make a herbal tea rich in ascorbic acid.

The flowers are up to 3 cm diameter, with five white, pink or red petals. The nectar from the flowers is harvested by bees, this is used to make Leptospermum honey or Manuka honey.

Leptospermum scoparium 'Grandiflorum' can be seen at Marks Hall in Gondwanaland.