Characteristics of Woolly Teatree (Leptospermum lanigerum) in the Wild

Woolly Teatree (Leptospermum lanigerum) is a small tree or medium shrub from the plant family Myrtaceae. Woolly Teatree is widespread in many habitats, especially in waterlogged areas such as damp sandy coastal grasslands, riverine scrub, forests, and on the edges of mountain grasslands.

Leptospermum lanigerum is an endemic species to Australia, with native populations found in New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria, but is now widespread throughout Australia. This species has been used for many years by Indigenous Australians and is a popular ornamental plant.

The original collection of this species held at the Royal Botanical Gardens at KEW was first described by William Aiton in 1789 as Philadelphus laniger. Sir James Smith, then moved the plant to the genus Leptospermum. The species name has undergone several changes in the past but is now known as Leptospermum lanigerum.

Species in the genus Leptospermum are commonly referred to as “tea trees”. The name was first used by Captain Cook’s crew, who brewed tea from the aromatic leaves in Australia and New Zealand because they believed it would protect them from scurvy.

There are currently 83 described species of Leptospermum, 79 of which are endemic to Australia.
 

Characteristics of Woolly Teatree Leaf

The leaves are usually arranged alternately along the stem, oval in shape, and slightly curled at the edges. Leaf size varies from 4-20 mm, with new growth usually covered by small, soft, fine hairs. These hairs usually cause the foliage to appear silvery gray, but the leaf color can vary from silvery gray to dark green, or sometimes have a glossy upper surface.

Like all species in the Myrtaceae family, Woolly Teatree leaves are dotted with small oil-containing glands, and when crushed emit a strong distinctive aroma. These oil glands facilitate identification, and detailed oil analysis has aided in the classification and taxonomy of species in the genus Leptospermum.
 

Characteristics of Woolly Teatree Flower

Woolly Teatree has typical flowers in the genus Leptospermum, namely: five separated white petals, five small sepals, many stamens, and an inferior ovary. The receptacle and calyx grow small, soft hairs, with the flowers typically measuring around 18 mm in diameter. The stamens are usually found in groups of seven.

The flowers are produced in late spring, early summer, or sporadically throughout the year, located at the tips of the branches. These flowers are mostly bisexual, however Leptospermum lanigerum is an andromonoecious species because the plant also produces several functional male flowers.
 

Characteristics of Woolly Teatree Fruit

The fruit is hairy when young, the fruit is usually persistent, each having 4-5 compartments and a diameter of about 5-10 mm. The fruit is located singly on a short terminal side branch, distinguishable from Melaleuca spp. whose capsules hold the stem in different groups. The hard skin of the fruit protects from damage by predators or insulation from disturbances such as fire. However, extreme drying or burning is necessary to open the rind of the fruit, so that the seeds can be released to germinate in ash-enriched seed beds after the first rains following a fire.
 

Characteristics of Woolly Teatree Tree

Woolly Teatree grows from a small tree to a medium-sized shrub to a height of 3 meters, it varies in size and shape and comes in a variety of different shapes.

The bark is smooth, light brown, fibrous, and thin which comes off the trunk in long strips when removed. This bark helps protect the trunk and epicormic shoots from fire, allowing the tree to regrow when burned. The bark is very similar to other Leptospermum species.

Although the Woolly Teatree occurs mostly in the lowlands, some individuals also grow among sub-alpine vegetation and along the edges of alpine meadows. The Woolly Teatree is an adaptable tree that adapts to a variety of aspects and soil types, and although it prefers wet areas, it can grow well in drier soils.

In Tasmania, Leptospermum lanigerum is a major species of swamp forest in flat, poorly drained locations and has a closed tree canopy made up of sclerophyllous species from the genera Leptospermum, Acacia, and Melaleuca. In Tasmania, Leptospermum lanigerum forms tall, dense stands, up to 18 meters high. In other Australian states, individuals generally live in short bushes.
 

How to Cultivate Woolly Teatree

Leptospermum lanigerum is often propagated from seeds or cuttings. This species is a popular ornamental garden tree because of its attractive flowers and adaptability.