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Leptospermum scoparium - Manuka
Leptospermum scoparium, commonly called mānuka, manuka myrtle, New Zealand teatree,[1] broom tea-tree, or just tea tree, is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family Myrtaceae, native to Australia and New Zealand.[2]
Description
It is a prolific scrub-type tree and is often one of the first species to regenerate on cleared land. It is typically a shrub growing to 2–5 m (7–16 ft) tall, but can grow into a moderately sized tree, up to 15 m (49 ft) or so in height. It is evergreen, with dense branching and small leaves 7–20 mm long and 2–6 mm broad, with a short spine tip. The flowers are white, occasionally pink, 8–15 mm (rarely up to 25 mm) in diameter, with five petals. This species is often confused with the closely related species kānuka – the easiest way to tell the difference between the two species in the field is to feel their foliage – mānuka leaves are prickly, while kānuka leaves are soft. The wood is tough and hard.
Uses
- The wood was often used for tool handles.
- It is also used for carving and producing essential oils by steam distillation of its leaves.
- Manuka Essential Oil is modernly used widely as a potent natural anti-fungal and antibacterial agent.
- The steam from leaves boiled in water was inhaled for head colds. A decoction was prepared from the leaves and bark and the warm liquid was rubbed on stiff muscles and aching joints.
- Chewing the bark is said to have a relaxing effect and it enhances sleep.[3]
