Common Name: Lemon-Scented Tea Tree

General Information

Leptospermum liversidgei is a graceful evergreen shrub with drooping branches; it can grow up to 4 metres tall, though often no more than 50cm[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a tea, medicine and source of an essential oil. It is often grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland

Habitat

Swamps by the coast in New South Wales[, ]. Low-lying sandy, swampy coastal heath[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Leptospermum liversidgei is not a very cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate short periods with temperatures down to around -10°c when fully dormant[]. If plants are killed back in cold winters they sometimes sprout afresh from the old wood[].
Succeed in almost any neutral or acid soil of good or reasonable quality, preferring a light sandy loam and full sun[]. Prefers a position sheltered from hot or cold drying winds[].
Grown as an ornamental in gardens, the cultivar 'Mozzie Blocker'has a stronger lemon-scented smell than the species and it is sometimes claimed that when planted in a group it can deter mosquitoes[].
This species does not regenerate from old wood[]. The plant responds well to pruning[].
Resents root disturbance[].
The leaves have a delightful lemon scent[, ]. The forms grown in Britain have a very weak scent, is this due to a lack of sun?[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

The dried leaves are a tea substitute[]. Lemon-scented[, ].

Medicinal

Antibacterial[].

Other Uses

An essential oil obtained from the leaves[] is used as a bactericide[].

The cultivar 'Mozzie Blocker' has a stronger lemon-scented smell than the species and it is claimed that when planted in a group it can deter mosquitoes from the surrounding area[].

Propagation

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, autumn in a frame. Good percentage[].