We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Leptospermum?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,359
Share

Leptospermum is a genus of flowering plants and trees native to Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia, with the greatest number of species occurring in Australia. There are fewer than 100 species in this genus and it is quite diverse. A number of species are cultivated as ornamentals and these plants are also grown for commercial use. The common name of tea tree, applied to many species, references the historic practice of brewing tisanes from the leaves of the trees.

Members of this genus have a gnarled, twisted growth habit. When allowed to grow freely, they can develop quite circuitous branches and twisted trunks. Pruning can shape a shrub or tree, keeping it compact and regulating the growth to keep development even and aesthetically pleasing. The plants are evergreen, producing very small leaves with sharp tips. Leptospermum species bloom with numerous clusters of small five-petaled flowers. The flowers are white to pink and have dark centers.

These shrubs and trees like full fun, slightly acidic soil, and excellent drainage. They can grow in poor soil conditions, as they have evolved for the sometimes harsh soils found in many regions of Australia, and are frost hardy. Growing ranges vary, depending on the species, but generally Leptospermum can be grown anywhere that winter temperatures do not drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6.6 degrees Celsius). Most species are very hardy and quite easy to grow with minimal care.

Some Leptospermum species are used as a source for tea tree essential oil, a compound with mild antibacterial qualities used in a variety of bodycare products. Tea tree oil can also be used as a topical treatment for inflammation and skin conditions. Honey made from bees who feed primarily on tea trees has a distinctive flavor profile and is touted as a health food in some regions by people who believe that the properties of tea tree oil are also present in tea tree honey.

People interested in growing a Leptospermum tree or shrub may be able to find a specimen at a local nursery. Several cultivars are often carried or can be ordered by request. It is also possible to grow from seeds or cuttings provided by another gardener. Gardeners can use these plants in massed plantings or plant a row of them to create a privacy screen and windbreak. It is advisable to establish plantings away from heavily trafficked areas, as the sharp leaves can be quite painful to encounter.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-leptospermum.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.