Broom tea-tree (Leptospermum scoparium, Char. Gen. Pl.: 72 (1776))

Family: Myrtaceae

Author: J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.

Bibliography: Char. Gen. Pl.: 72 (1776)

Year: 1776

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Leptospermum

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Australia, New Zealand, Chatham Is.

Description

The Broom tea-tree, botanically known as Leptospermum scoparium, is a fascinating and highly resilient plant that finds its origins in the diverse and often harsh landscapes of Southeastern Australia, New Zealand, and the Chatham Islands. It is a proud representative of the Myrtaceae family, a group of plants renowned for their aromatic foliage and medicinal properties.

This hardy shrub typically flourishes in well-drained soils, displaying an impressive adaptability to various environmental conditions. It often thrives in coastal areas and heathlands, marking its territory with an aesthetic display of small, enchanting flowers that vary in color from pristine white to soft pink, and less commonly, a vibrant red. These flowers bloom prolifically, offering a striking visual contrast against the background of its dense, needle-like leaves.

Leptospermum scoparium holds significant ecological value. It plays a critical role in its natural habitat, providing a source of nectar for bees, including those that produce the famed Manuka honey. The Manuka variety, in particular, is revered worldwide for its potent antibacterial properties and numerous health benefits.

First scientifically described by J.R. Forster and G. Forster in 1776 in “Characteres Generum Plantarum,” Leptospermum scoparium has been studied extensively for both its botanical characteristics and its practical uses. Its essential oils are known for their therapeutic virtues, including antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a staple in traditional remedies and modern natural medicine alike.

Beyond its medicinal applications, the Broom tea-tree possesses great ornamental value. Its robust nature allows it to be cultivated in gardens, where it can be pruned into various shapes, lending itself well to hedge and screen plantings. Gardeners often prize it for its low maintenance and its capacity to attract pollinators, thereby supporting biodiversity.

In summary, Leptospermum scoparium is not only a plant of remarkable beauty and ecological importance but also one of historical and practical significance. Its continued study and appreciation ensure that this versatile shrub remains a cherished component of our natural and cultivated landscapes.

Common Names

Eng: broom tea-tree, manuka teatree, new zealand tea tree, new zealand teatree, broom teatree, manuka, manuka myrtle
Por: erica, falsa-erica
Afr: manukamirt
Swe: rosenmyrten
Spa: urze-de-jardim
Cym: llwyn te, llwyni te
En: Broom Tea-tree, Manuka teatree, New Zealand tea tree, New Zealand teatree, Broom teatree, Manuka, Manuka myrtle
Af: Manukamirt
Pt: Erica, Falsa-erica
Es: Urze-de-jardim
Sv: Rosenmyrten
Cy: Llwyn Te, Llwyni Te

Synonyms

• Leptospermum scoparium var. sericeum (Regel)
• Leptospermum scoparium var. linearifolium (Otto & A.Dietr.)
• Leptospermum scoparium rubrum-pygmaeum (J.R.Duncan & V.C.Davies)
• Leptospermum scoparium var. linifolium (Hook.f.)
• Leptospermum nichollsii (Dorr.Sm.)
• Leptospermum bullatum (Fitzh.)
• Leptospermum obliquum (Colla)
• Leptospermum scoparium var. eximea (B.L.Burtt)
• Leptospermum oxycedrus (S.Schauer)
• Leptospermum humifusum (A.Cunn. ex S.Schauer)
• Leptospermum scoparium var. myrtifolium (Hook.f.)
• Leptospermum pungens (Otto & A.Dietr.)
• Leptospermum floribundum (Salisb.)
• Leptospermum linifolium ((Sol.) Dum.Cours.)
• Leptospermum scoparium var. nichollsii ((Dorr.Sm.) Ewart)
• Leptospermum scoparium var. prostratum (Hook.f.)
• Melaleuca scoparia ((J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.) L.f.)
• Leptospermum scoparium var. parvum (Kirk)
• Leptospermum scoparium var. incanum (Cackayne)
• Leptospermum scoparium var. forsteri (S.Schauer)
• Leptospermum scoparium roseum (J.R.Duncan & V.C.Davies)
• Leptospermum scoparium var. vulgare (Domin)
• Leptospermum scoparium var. confertifolium (S.Schauer)
• Leptospermum multiflorum (Cav.)
• Leptospermum scoparium var. bullatum (Rehder)

Distribution

• Chatham Is. (native)
• New South Wales (native)
• New Zealand North (native)
• New Zealand South (native)
• Tasmania (native)
• Victoria (native)
• Azores (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2018 by Brigitte Julia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2019 by lee xiaoyi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2019 by Jia Hui Tiong (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 10, 2021 by Ruiz TJ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2022 by Richard Thomas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2019 by mirasso romina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 12, 2022 by Boy Portuguese (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2019 by Jia Hui Tiong (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Dec 31, 2021 by Olivier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 15, 2020 by Georg Dean (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 24, 2021 by TheFlyingLime (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2021 by TheFlyingLime (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2019 by Dimas Fernández Otero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2019 by mj mjcoren (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2021 by TheFlyingLime (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Other

Taken Aug 27, 2021 by R. de Castro Ricardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2021 by Mireille ROBBE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2020 by pepitruix (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2020 by ghazal Jason (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2020 by Baobab Obesum (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3181762)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:597505-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Leptospermum scoparium J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Tree, Shrub

Growth