Description
Common names
Mountain Tea-tree, Woolly Tea-tree, Mountain Tea Tree, Mountain Teatree, Woolly Teatree.
Scientific names
Leptospermum grandifolium.
Family
Myrtaceae.
Genus
Leptospermum.
Name origin
Leptospermum, from Greek leptos, slender, and sperma, seed, referring to narrow seeds of some species. Grandifolium, from Latin grandis, large and folium, foliage, referring to large leaves.
Rainfall
750mm+.
Growth rate
Moderate, fast.
Growth height
1.5-6m.
Presence in Australia
Noted in the upper Murray areas Rosewood Plateau; Paddy"s River-Burra Valley; Maragle; Tooma; Ardenside-Welaregang; Lower Tooma-Greg Greg and Bringenbrong-Khancoban.
This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: NSW, ACT, Vic, Tas, SA, WA.
Habitat
Sandy swamps and rocky streambanks.
Habit
Large, fairly dense shrub to small rounded tree 1.5m to over 6m high. Leaves mostly 1-3cm long.
Site preference
Moist to wet soil such as seepages and streamsides. Tolerates moderate frost.
Characteristics
Adaptable. Moderate to fast growth rate.
Flowering
White, Oct-Jan.
Seed collection
Any time. Seeds retained for many years, and shed after adversity such as injury, drought or fire. Collect capsules from older wood. Seeds highly viable, remaining so for many years in storage.
Propagation
From seed or cuttings, which strike readily. Sow light scattering of seed and cover lightly. Germinates in 2-5 weeks. Capillary watering should benefit fine seed. Suitable for direct seeding into pots.
Regeneration
From seed.
Shade and shelter
Useful low-level cover in windbreaks.
Land protection
Useful in controlling streambank and gully erosion due to soil-binding fibrous roots.
Timber
Used for turning.
Wildlife
Excellent habitat. Prickly foliage excellent refuge for small birds, particularly dense thickets. Flowers are a good pollen and nectar source for many native insects, including moths and butterflies. Insect-eating birds attracted.
Ornamental
Attractive. Prune to promote bushiness.
Other
Used in colonial medicine.