Common Name: Woolly Tea Tree

General Information

Leptospermum lanigerum is an evergreen shrub or a smal tree that usually grows up to 4 metres tall, though it can reach 18 metres in Tasmania, where it is a tall, thin tree[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a tea and source of wood. It is grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as a hedge.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Australia - South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland

Habitat

Mountainous areas and down to the coast[]. Wet heathland, open eucalyptus forest and by streams[]. Forming thickets in lowland swamps (and depleted through clearing and draining swamps), or fringing watercourses in the foothills[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Leptospermum lanigerum is not a very cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate short periods with temperatures down to around -8°c when fully dormant[]. Plants are hardy to about -15°c in Britain[].
Grows best in a sunny position, tolerating partial shade[, ]. Succeeds in almost any neutral or acid soil of good or reasonable quality, preferring a light sandy loam[]. Grows best in an acid sandy soil[]. Prefers a position sheltered from hot or cold drying winds[]. Another report says that it tolerates fairly exposed positions and that has been our experience with it[].
Polymorphic[]. There are two distinct forms grown in Britain, one with smallish greyish leaves is sometimes known as Leptospermum cunninghamii, the second form has larger narrow glossy green leaves[].
Plants seldom grow taller than about 2 metres in Britain.
Resents root disturbance[].
Does not regenerate from old wood[]. Unlike several species in this genus, this plant can be pruned severely if necessary[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

The leaves are used as a tea substitute[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

This species can be grown as a hedge in positions that are not too exposed. When trimming, however, the plants should not be cut back into old wood because they will not grow back.

Other Uses

The wood is tough, hard, heavy and close grained. Durable when used internally[]. It is used for poles, stakes, tool handles etc[, ].
The wood makes a good fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination is usually quick and easy, though seed obtained from Tasmanian plants can be slow[]. 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, autumn in a frame. Good percentage[].