Discover Nature at JCU Plants Plants on Cairns Campus Leptospermum spp.

Leptospermum spp.

Image of a Leptospermum

(Tea tree)

FAMILY

Myrtaceae

Species

Leptospermum spp.

Common name

Tea tree

Flower colour; life form

White, shrubs, small trees

Campus

Cairns, Townsville

Description

Several species of Leptospermum as well as cultivars have been planted on both campuses. Most of the specimens on the Cairns campus are cultivars of Leptospermum polygalifolium, a common widespread native with small leaves, appearing somewhat clustered in the axils; there are numerous oil glands in the leaves. Flowers have 5 white petals, the woody capsule is persistent.