Leaf
Leon Perrie, Wikimedia · CC BY 4.0
Manuka
Leptospermum scoparium J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.
Also known as: Tea tree, New Zealand tea tree
Family: Myrtaceae
1 to 3 m tall
Planted as a specimen or in beds, mild climate, acid, free-draining soils
Flowering: May – June
Full sun
Not very hardy, dislikes frost below -8°C, needs acidic, well-drained soil
❓ How do you recognise this plant?
The nectar of manuka flowers gives rise to the famous manuka honey, recognised for its exceptional antibacterial properties due to a rare compound, methylglyoxal, present in unusual quantity in this nectar.
🍃 Leaves
Evergreen, small, pointed, aromatic when crushed
🌸 Flowers
White, pink or red depending on variety, with 5 petals, covering the branches abundantly
🍎 Fruits
Small persistent woody capsule
🪵 Bark
Reddish-brown, peeling in strips
🗺️ Distribution
Native to New Zealand and Australia; grown in France in mild climates
🐝 Value for pollinators
Flowering very rich in nectar, the source of manuka honey, renowned for its antibacterial properties
✂️ Horticultural uses
Ornamental shrub with abundant flowering, also grown commercially in New Zealand for manuka honey production
⚠️ Possible toxicity
No notable toxicity known to humans
🌿 Other Myrtaceae to discover
ℹ️ Educational profile — do not use it to judge whether a plant is edible or safe.
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