Description
Common names
Slender Tea-tree, Grey Tea-tree, Slender Tea Tree, Slender Teatree.
Scientific names
Leptospermum brevipes.
Family
Myrtaceae.
Genus
Leptospermum.
Name origin
Leptospermum, from Greek leptos, slender, and sperma, seed, referring to narrow seeds of some species. Brevipes, from Latin brevis, short, referring to stalks.
Rainfall
400mm+.
Growth rate
Fast.
Growth height
Up to 4m.
Presence in Australia
Noted in the upper Murray areas Paddy"s River-Burra Valley; Tooma; Lower Tooma-Greg Greg and Bringenbrong-Khancoban.
This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic.
Habitat
Dry sclerophyll forest, woodland and shrubland, mostly on rocky granite outcrops.
Habit
Shrub or small tree to 4m high with smooth bark, reddish drooping branchlets and leaves mostly 1-2cm long.
Site preference
Poor soils near streams. Sensitive to heavy frost when young. Tolerates limited periods of dryness.
Characteristics
Hardy and fast-growing. Invasive in some areas and where stocking rates low.
Flowering
White, Oct-Dec.
Seed collection
Throughout year as seeds generally retained. Seed extremely viable and remain so for many years in storage.
Propagation
From seed or cuttings, which strike readily. Sow light scattering of seeds and cover lightly. Germinates in 2-5 weeks. Capillary watering should benefit seed. Suitable for direct seeding into pots.
Regeneration
From seed. Regenerates quickly.
Shade and shelter
Excellent low-level cover in windbreaks.
Land protection
Useful in controlling streambank erosion due to soil-binding fibrous roots.
Wildlife
Excellent streamside habitat. Shade and insect source for fish. Flowers are a good pollen source for many insects, including moths and butterflies, and nectar source for birds.
Ornamental
Attractive ornamental for gardens, due to young reddish foliage and graceful habit. Prune to encourage bushiness.
Other
Cut foliage decorative and dries well. Leaves and young shoots reputedly useful in treating urinary complaints in colonial medicine.