Leptospermum polygalifolium
Plant Number: 10
Common Name: Tea-tree, wild may, lemon-scented tea tree
Scientific Name: Leptospermum polygalifolium
Derivation of name
Leptospermum from Greek leptos, slender, and sperma, seed, referring to narrow seeds of some species
polygalifolium from latin folius; a leaf
Description
- Shrub to 6 metres
- Narrow leaves lemon-scented when crushed
- Masses of 10 mm white coloured flowers in Spring
- Woody seed capsules to 7 mm
Human uses
Leaves used as a substitute for tea (European settlers)
Acknowledgment: Mangroves to Mountains
Photo credit: Janis Cossill