Manuka

(Leptospermum scoparium)

Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as Manuka or Broom Tea-Tree, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to New Zealand and southeast Australia. It thrives in a variety of habitats, including coastal areas, riverbanks, and open scrublands, where it often plays a key role in ecological succession. Manuka typically reaches 2–5 m (7–16 ft) in height as a shrub but can grow into a moderately sized tree of up to 15 m (49 ft). It has dense branching with small, prickly leaves and bears white to pink flowers that are 8–15 mm (0.31–0.59 in) in diameter, occasionally reaching up to 25 mm (0.98 in). The flowers are particularly attractive to bees, and the wood is known for its toughness and hardness.

Manuka is valued for its ornamental qualities, including its showy flowers and its ability to attract pollinators. It is also renowned for the medicinal properties of its honey, which is thought to have antibacterial properties. In cultivation, Manuka prefers full sun to part shade, well-drained soils, and can tolerate a range of soil types, making it relatively easy to maintain. It is used for revegetation projects, as a specimen plant, and for erosion control. However, it can become invasive outside its native range, so it is important to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
  • Height: 6-10 feet
  • Width: 6-10 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Red, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to coastal areas, riverbanks, and open scrublands in New Zealand and southeast Australia

Other Names

Common Names: Manuka Teatree, New Zealand Teatree, Manuka Myrtle, Manuka, Manukamirt, Rosenmyrten, Érica, Leptospermo, Falsa-Érica, Árvore-Chá, New Zealand Tea

Scientific Names: , Leptospermum scoparium, Leptospermum humifusum, Leptospermum scoparium var. incanum, Leptospermum scoparium var. nichollsii, Leptospermum scoparium var. eximea, Leptospermum multiflorum, Leptospermum scoparium var. prostratum, Melaleuca scoparia, Leptospermum bullatum

GBIF Accepted Name: Leptospermum scoparium Forst.