Botanical Name: Melaleuca Alternifolia
Common Name: Manuka
Range: Australia - New South Wales, Queensland; East Indies.
Haitat: Swamps by the coast. Requires a fertile, well-drained
moisture retentive lime-free soil in full sun.
Tea tree is an eastern species and occurs on North Coast and adjacent
ranges of New South Wales. It develops into a tall shrub with papery
bark and white spring and summer flowers. It has aromatic foliage and
valuable oil is extracted from the leaves.
Uses
Oil is extracted from dried tea leaves. This oil has great germicidal
properties and is used in a range of products. Antiseptics, deodrants,
shampoos, toothpaste, mouthwash and soaps are some of the products
incorporating tea tree oil. Dried tree leaves are used as an analgesic,
antifungal, antiparasitic, balsamic, cicatrisant, immune tonic,
neurotonic and vulnerary. They are good for minor burns, cuts, sore
throat, infected toenails, ulcers, pimples and acne. They also relive
some painful symptoms of arthritis. They are also used for aromatherapy,
scented candles and in making fragrant potpourris using several blends.
