Practical
Plants

Leptospermum petersonii

Lemon Tea Tree

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Family
Myrtaceae
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Height
4.5 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Edible uses

The leaves are used to brew a strongly aromatic tea, or they can be added as a flavouring to china tea[4]. They are strongly lemon-scented[1].

Product or use
Tea

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

The leaves, and especially the essential oil obtained from them, is antibacterial[2].

Product or use
Antibacterial

Material uses

An essential oil obtained from the leaves is used as a bactericide[2].

Product or use
Essential

Ecology and functions

Hedge

Environment

Range
Australia.
Habitat
Not known
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 9+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
high wind
Wind
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

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[6]. Cuttings of almost mature wood, 4 - 5 cm with a heel, October/November in a frame. Good percentage[6].

Cultivation

Succeeds in almost any neutral or acid soil of good or reasonable quality, preferring a light sandy loam and full sun[5]. Prefers a position sheltered from hot or cold drying winds[5]. This species is not very cold-tolerant, it only succeeds outdoors in the mildest areas of Britain[5]. Plants are slightly frost-tender in Australian gardens[3]. Plants resent root disturbance and should be put out into their permanent positions as soon as possible[5]. Does not regenerate from old wood[5]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[5].

References

  1. Cribb. A. B. and J. W. Wild Food in Australia. Fontana 1976-00-00 ISBN 0-00-634436-4

    ↩

  2. Cribb. A. B. and J. W. Useful Wild Plants in Australia. William Collins Pty Ltd. Sidney 1981-00-00 ISBN 0-00-216441-8

    ↩1↩2

  3. Wrigley. J. W. and Fagg. M. Australian Native Plants. Collins. (Australia) 1988-00-00 ISBN 0-7322-0021-0

    ↩

  4. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩

  5. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  6. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2

Edit this page