Description
Common names
Woolly Tea-tree, Silky Tea Tree, Woolly Leptospermum, Woolly Tea Tree, Woolly Teatree, Wooly Tea-tree.
Scientific names
Leptospermum lanigerum.
Family
Myrtaceae.
Genus
Leptospermum.
Name origin
Leptospermum, from Greek leptos, slender, and sperma, seed, referring to narrow seeds of some species. Lanigerum, from Latin lana, wool, and gerus, bearing, referring to woolly flower parts.
Rainfall
550mm.
Growth rate
Moderate.
Growth height
Up to 5m.
Presence in Australia
Noted only in Upper Gilmore. Possibly also in similar country nearby.
This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic, Tas, SA, WA.
Habitat
Open eucalypt communities, sandy swamps and along watercourses.
Habit
Erect, dense tall shrub to over 5m high. Smooth bark and often silvery new growth.
Site preference
Moist soil. Tolerates most frost, and a range of acidic to alkaline soils. Tolerates heavy, poorly-drained soil.
Characteristics
Very hardy. Moderate growth rate. Lifespan up to several decades.
Flowering
White, Oct-Jan. Prolific.
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 tip 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. Smoke treatment enhances germination.
Regeneration
From seed, dispersed by wind and water. Regenerates well along creeks and rivers and in swampy areas.
Shade and shelter
Excellent low-level cover in windbreaks.
Land protection
Excellent in controlling creekside and gully erosion due to soil-binding fibrous roots. Branches root when contact made with moist soil.
Wildlife
Excellent habitat. Foliage excellent refuge for small birds, particularly in dense thickets. Flowers are a good pollen and nectar source for many native insects, including moths and butterflies. Insect-eating birds attracted.
Koori
Implements made from stems, including pegs for kangaroo skins, hunting spears and eel spears.
Ornamental
Attractive for screening, hedges, pond edges and bog gardens. Shallow roots do not interfere with footpaths or utilities. Tip prune regularly to encourage bushy growth.
Other
Used in colonial medicine.