Botanico

Plant profile

tea tree

Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) Cheel

Photo of tea tree
Image: Tangopaso. License: Public domain. Source: Wikimedia Commons. · Wikimedia Commons

The tea tree is an outdoor plant known for its aromatic foliage and rough bark. It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun.

From Wikipedia

Melaleuca alternifolia, commonly known as tea tree, is a species of tree or tall shrub in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Endemic to Australia, it occurs in southeast Queensland and the north coast and adjacent ranges of New South Wales where it grows along streams and on swampy flats, and is often the dominant species where it occurs.

Melaleuca alternifolia — Text CC BY-SA. See the original article.

Open-data facts

Life form
Grows as a woody clump (shrub).
Climate
Subtropical climate: ideal with protection against intense cold.
Origin / area
The typical geographical origin is: Queensland to NE. New South Wales.

Recommended products for tea tree

    Ecological interactions

    • Serves as a host to:

      BOLD:AAA3070, Pantoea ananatis, Elsinoe eelemani, Austropuccinia psidii, Calonectria reteaudii

    Basic care

    Watering
    Medium frequency; adjust for heat and pot size.
    Light
    Ideal on a terrace, in a garden bed, or a sunny balcony.
    Temperature
    If temperatures plunge, move it somewhere more sheltered.
    Humidity
    In dry winters, watch leaves and watering—don’t overdo either.

    Pet toxicity

    Not a safe plant for animals to nibble on leaves or stems.

    Cats: yes (toxic). Dogs: yes (toxic).

    Sources