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Leptospermum laevigatum - (Gaertn.)F.Muell.

Common Name Coast Tea Tree, Australian teatree
Family Myrtaceae
USDA hardiness 8-11
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Found mainly on sand dunes and the coastlines of south and south-east Australia, occasionally inland on sandy soils, often in harsh windswept places where it only grows about 1 metre tall[167].
Range Australia - New South Wales, Victoria.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Half Hardy Moist Soil Full sun
Leptospermum laevigatum Coast Tea Tree, Australian teatree


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Stephen_Bain
Leptospermum laevigatum Coast Tea Tree, Australian teatree
http://www.hear.org/starr/

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Leptospermum laevigatum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 9 m (29ft 6in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Tea

The dried leaves are used for making tea[183].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Hedge  Hedge  Soil stabilization

An effective sand binder, it can be planted for soil stabilization[167]. Can be grown as a hedge, especially in maritime areas[167].

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife  Hedge  Hedge

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeed in almost any neutral or acid soil of good or reasonable quality[167], preferring a light sandy loam and full sun[200]. Prefers a position sheltered from hot or cold drying winds[200]. Only succeeds outdoors in the mild areas of Britain[200]. Resents root disturbance[200]. Does not regenerate from old wood[200]. A good bee plant[167]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

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Plant 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[78]. Cuttings of almost mature wood, 4 - 5 cm with a heel, October/November in a frame. Good percentage[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

AUSTRALASIA: Australia (Tasmania, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Leptospermum ericoides Shrub3.0 7-10  LMHNM112
Leptospermum lanigerumwoolly tea-treeShrub5.0 7-10 MLMNM202
Leptospermum liversidgeiLemon-Scented Tea TreeShrub4.0 7-10  LMHNM212
Leptospermum petersoniiLemon Tea Tree, Common teatreeShrub4.5 8-11  LMHNM112
Leptospermum polygalifolium Shrub3.0 7-10  LMHNM102
Leptospermum scopariumTea Tree, Broom teatree, Manuka, New Zealand Tea TreeShrub5.0 8-11 MLMHNDM303

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

(Gaertn.)F.Muell.

Botanical References

200

Links / References

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