Herb: Coast Tea Tree


Latin name: Leptospermum laevigatum


Family: Myrtaceae (Myrtle Family)



Edible parts of Coast Tea Tree:

The dried leaves are used for making tea.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Shrub

Height:
9 m
(30 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Found mainly on sand dunes and the coastlines of south and south-east Australia, occasionally inland on sandy soils, often in harsh windswept places where it only grows about 1 metre tall.

Other uses of Coast Tea Tree:

An effective sand binder, it can be planted for soil stabilization. Can be grown as a hedge, especially in maritime areas.

Propagation of the herb:

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

Cultivation of Coast Tea Tree:

Found mainly on sand dunes and the coastlines of south and south-east Australia, occasionally inland on sandy soils, often in harsh windswept places where it only grows about 1 metre tall.

Medicinal use of the herb:

None known

Known hazards of Leptospermum laevigatum:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.