Tea Tree
Herb latin name: Tea Tree,Tea Tree Extract
Latin name: Leptospermum scoparium
Family: Myrtaceae (Myrtle Family)
Habitat of the herb: the herb: Many habitats in lowland to alpine areas, North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands. Rocky and sandy heathland, often by streams.Habitat of the herb: the herb: Many habitats in lowland to alpine areas, North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands. Rocky and sandy heathland, often by streams.
Other uses of Tea Tree: This species can be grown as a hedge in the milder areas of Britain 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. A greenish-black dye is obtained from the flowers. Source of an insecticide (no further details). Wood - red, strong, elastic. Used for inlay work, cabinet making etc. The bark is used for roofing huts.
Propagation of the herb: 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. Cuttings of almost mature wood, 4 - 5 cm with a heel, October/November in a frame. Good percentage.
Cultivation of Tea Tree: Many habitats in lowland to alpine areas, North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands. Rocky and sandy heathland, often by streams.
Medicinal use of the herb: None known
Known hazards of Leptospermum scoparium: None known
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