Leptospermum polygalifolium is a very variable and complex group with several subspecies recognised. There is widespread intergradation between these various forms. It is possible that further revision of the species will occur in the future[].

Common Name: Yellow Tea Tree

General Information

Leptospermum polygalifolium is an evergreen shrub or a small tree that usually grows up to 3 metres tall, occasionally reaching 7 metres or more and developing a stout trunk[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a tea and source of wood. It is often grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as a hedge.
Introduced as an ornamental into Hawaii, Leptospermum polygalifolium has escaped from cultivation and become naturalized there and is now considered to be invaive and harmful to the environment[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland

Habitat

Montane areas, especially on fairly poor soils[, ]. Heaths and dry sclerophyll forests, usually on sandstones and deep sandy soils[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Leptospermum polygalifolium is not a very cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate short periods with temperatures down to around -10°c when fully dormant[].
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[]. Grows well in coastal areas so long as it is not too exposed[].
A fairly long-lived plant, it is often grown as an ornamental in gardens[].
Resents root disturbance[].
Any pruning should be light since the plants do not regenerate from old wood[].
A very variable plant, several distinct subspecies are recognised[].
Closely related to Leptospermum lanigerum[].
A good bee plant[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

The leaves are a tea substitute[, , ].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant can be used as a hedge, though any trimming needs to be light since the plant cannot regenerate from old wood[].

Other Uses

The wood is tough, close grained. It is used for poles, stakes etc[].
The wood is used for fuel154].

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[].