(heath tea-tree)
A brief description: A common shrubby species throughout it's range, the heath tea-tree grows to about 1-2 meters in height. However it is often found as an understory shrub in Eucalyptus woodlands and is much smaller. The 5-petal flowers are white (sometimes pink) and appear in spring.
Taxonomy: From the same family as the Eucalyptus genus, Myrtaceae, it is one of about 85 species. Most species are endemic to South-Eastern Australia, with one found in New Zealand and another in Malaysia.
Distribution: SA, VIC, rare but reported in NSW (mostly in the SE).
Conservation status: Locally common in SA and VIC, not considered at risk in the wild.
Interesting things about tea-tree: Various species in this genus are commercially important for the garden industry and also for honey producers. Dense plantings of tea-trees are popular as hedges and there are many cultivars that are common garden plants (particularly due to the drought-tolerance of older plants). Honey made from the nectar of some species has been found to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
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