WOOLLY TEA TREE Leptospermum lanigerum Seeds

Leptospermum lanigerum, commonly known as the woolly tea tree, is a small tree or medium shrub from the plant family Myrtaceae

This species is a popular garden plant, due to its attractive flowers and adaptability Its common name derives from the conspicuously hairy capsules produced as fruit, along with the fine, silky hairs present on branches and leaves

Flowers are a good pollen and nectar source for many native insects, including moths and butterflies Insect eating birds attracted Leaves are dotted with small oil containing glands, and when crushed emit a strong, characteristic aroma

Numerous flowers are produced either in late spring, early summer or sporadically throughout the year Smooth, light brown, fibrous and papery bark that comes away from the trunk in long strips when removed

An adaptable species able to adjust to varying aspects and soil types, and although prefers wet areas can grow successfully in drier soil

Tea trees are particularly important for the survival of our native bush bees

Bush Food: Honeybees gather the nectar from its flowers Aromatic leaves were used for medicine; the stems of tall species were used for spears

Bush medicine: Young shoots and stems of many Leptospermum species were also used medicinally to treat urinary disorders

Germination: Sow light scattering of seed and cover lightly Germinates in 2 5, Late Spring Summer Optimal germination temperature 18 25 C
Seed retains viability for several years stored at room temperature