Leptospermum scoparium

Botanical Description

Leptospermum scoparium is a very variable evergreen shrub or a small tree that usually grows around 2 metres tall but can reach 5 metres[ 1093 Title Invasive Species Compendium Publication Author Website http://www.cabi.org Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc). , 1109 Title VicFlora - Flora of Victoria Publication Author Website https://vicflora.rbg.vic.gov.au/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An om-line flora for the state of Victoria, Australia. ]. A multi-purpose and very useful tree, it is harvested from the wild and also encouraged to grow in order to provide food, medicines and a range of materials. It is especially valued for its essential oil, which is used medicinally, in cosmetics etc, and also for the honey (known as manuka honey) obtained from its flowers. It is sometimes allowed, or even encouraged, to grow in meadows in order to provide food for hive bees and produce manuka honey[ 1093 Title Invasive Species Compendium Publication Author Website http://www.cabi.org Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc). ]. The plant is an excellent pioneer for re-establishing woodlands, it is used in soil stabilization projects and is commonly grown in amenity plantings and as an ornamental in gardens. Leptospermum scoparium is a natural pioneer species, quickly appearing in disturbed areas in forests in New Zealand. Its seeds are light, wind-dispersed and numerous, they germinate in bare patches, and the plant grows quickly, establishing dominance over low-growing vegetation. They create a good environment for other forest trees to become established and then usually die out after about 60 years as these larger, longer living trees overshadow them. However, in impoverished or wet soils, the plant can become the dominant climax vegetation.The planIt has escaped from cultivation in some areas and is seen as a possible threat to the native flora in S. Africa and Hawaii[ 1093 Title Invasive Species Compendium Publication Author Website http://www.cabi.org Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc). ].