Leptospermum scoparium aka Manuka

Taxonomy

Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as mānuka or New Zealand Tea Tree, is a species of evergreen shrub in the myrtle family Myrtaceae. Native to New Zealand and parts of south-east Australia, including the Chatham Islands, this plant has an upright habit with spreading branches. Its fragrant, narrowly elliptic leaves are deep green, sometimes tinged with red. During late spring to early summer, it produces abundant double flowers along the stems. These flowers have ruffled pale pink petals that fade to white around dark pink centers. Notably, the nectar of Leptospermum scoparium is used to create Mānuka honey. As a houseplant, the New Zealand Tea Tree is considered super rare and requires regular watering to thrive. It thrives best in long-lasting, direct light, ideally positioned within 1 foot of a window. Belonging to the Leptospermum genus, it is native to New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and New Zealand.

Common names

Manuka, Broom Tea Tree, Manuka Teatree

How to care for Manuka

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Manuka is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Manuka should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Manuka requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Broom Tea Tree is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Region of origin

Manuka’s native range is Australia and New Zealand.


More info:
Wikipedia