Author:
Qjure
Book:
Qjurious
Type:
Info
Chapter:
3-654.15.15
Leptospermum scoparium
Names: Name: leptos = thin, spermum = seed.
English: New Zealand tea tree; Broom tea tree; Tea Bush.
Name: Manuka.
Content: monoterpenes; sesquiterpenes; triketones; tannins; vitamin C., ascorbic acid.
Region: Native to New Zealand and southeastern Australia
Habitat: shrublands, forest edges, open and disturbed areas; tolerates poor, rocky, dry and sandy soils; resilient to harsh conditions, drought, poor soils; most soils, exposures good drainage and full sun.
Source: Kenton provings.
Use: medicinal; food, manuka honey; ornamental, attractive blooms.
Botany
Shrub or small tree; 2 to 5 meters tall; dense, bushy growth habit.
Roots: shallow; fibrous.
Leaves: small; narrow, pointed; aromatic when crushed; dark green; leathery.
Inflorescence: solitary; at leaf axils.
Flowers: small, 1 cm across; petals 5, white to pink or sometimes red.
Stamens: numerous; prominent central, cluster, forming a ring around the ovary
Ovary: inferior; multiple ovules.
Nectary: , vital for manuka honey production.
Pollination: by bees.