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Leptospermum polygalifolium - Salisb.

Common Name
Family Myrtaceae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Montane areas, especially on fairly poor soils[154, 156]. Heaths and dry sclerophyll forests, usually on sandstones and deep sandy soils[265].
Range Australia - Tasmania, Victoria.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Moist Soil Full sun
Leptospermum polygalifolium


http://www.flickr.com/photos/petrichor/
Leptospermum polygalifolium
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8108294@N05/946029416

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Leptospermum polygalifolium is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. 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, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

L. flavescens. Sm.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Tea

The leaves are a tea substitute[46, 61, 177].

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

Wood

Wood - tough, close grained. Used for poles, stakes, fuel etc[154].

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeed in almost any neutral or acid soil of good or reasonable quality, 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, tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c[200]. Grows well in coastal areas so long as it is not too exposed[188]. Resents root disturbance[200]. Plants do not regenerate from old wood[200]. Closely related to L. lanigerum[11]. A good bee plant[108]. 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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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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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 (New South Wales (east), Queensland (east))

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 laevigatumCoast Tea Tree, Australian teatreeShrub9.0 8-11  LMHNM103
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 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

Salisb.

Botanical References

11154200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

James Roberts   Wed Jun 9 06:53:42 2004

Re: medicinal uses

See Manuka/UMF honey (from different plant), with increasing uses in wound management.

Manuka/UMF honey is honey from bees fed on flower of NZ relative of leptospermum polygalifolium -which shows same properties

Link: Waikito University Honey Research Unit research into UMF honey

   Wed Aug 12 2009

Wow, this site is amazing. Never thought that this Polygalifolium could be used for making tea. Awesome guys...keep up the good work. Great research : )

Elisabeth   Thu Nov 19 2009

Hello, Can you telle me what the difference is between the Leptospermum polygalifolium and the Leptospermum Scoparium? Thank you very much! -Elisabeth

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