ALPINE TEA TREE Leptospermum rupestre Seeds

Leptospermum rupestre, commonly known as alpine tea tree or prostrate tea tree It is endemic to Tasmania In alpine areas it assumes a prostrate habit while in sub alpine areas it appears as a large shrub, found growing in a sunny situation on light to medium soils

Fragrant white flowers occurring in Summer Autumn It is drought and frost resistant This species has shiny dark green leaves on arching reddish tan branches

It is ideal as a groundcover plant or for rockeries

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

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

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