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Leptospermum scoparium

J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. (1776)

This name is accepted

Kingdom: Viridiplantae Phylum: Magnoliophyta Class/Clade: Eudicot-Rosids Order: Myrtales Family: Myrtaceae Genus: Leptospermum

manuka, New Zealand tea tree, tea tree

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Description

Key Characters:

Growth Form: Shrubs or small trees to 2–5 m tall.

Stems: Bark shredding into long strips, young branches silky pubescent.

Roots:

Leaves: Leaves simple. Alternate. Blades linear–lanceolate to linear–elliptic or occasionally ovate, 9–14 mm long, 1.5–4 mm wide. Apex attenuate to a pungent tip. Surfaces silky-pubescent when young, soon glabrate, glandular–dotted. Margins entire. Sessile. Stipules vestigial or absent.

Flowers: Flowers 1–3, axillary. Flowers bisexual (perfect), actinomorphic. Hypanthium well–developed above ovary. Calyx of 5 sepals, broadly deltate, ca. 1.5–3.5 mm long, minutely tuberculate, glabrous, apex obtuse. Corolla of 5 petals, clawed, pink or white, ca. 5–8 mm long, glandular–dotted. Stamens numerous, in a single series; anthers dithecal. Ovary partly inferior, 3–10-celled; ovule placentation axile; style terminal, simple; stigma peltate.

Fruit: Capsules woody; loculicidal 5–valved; 5–6 mm in diameter; slightly exserted from hypanthium. Seeds sickle shaped; copper colored.

Ploidy:

Habitat: Disturbed mesic to wet forest and areas of forestry plantings.

Elevation Range: 330–1,220 m.

Historical Distribution

Images

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Uses and Culture

USES

Natural History

Statewide Status

Naturalized

Island Status

Kaua'i Naturalized
O'ahu Naturalized
Lana'i Naturalized
Maui Naturalized
Hawai'i Only found in cultivation

Dispersal Agents

Wind

Pollinators

Bibliography

Name Published In: Char. Gen. Pl.: 72 (1776)

Other References

Wagner et al. 1990:963 (K, O, L); Thompson 1989:415 (KEY, DESCR); Oppenheimer 2004:14 (EM); Staples & Herbst 2005:424 (DESCR)

Occurrences

SNo. Scientific Name Locality Habitat Basis of Record Recorded By Record Number Island Source Date
1 Leptospermum scoparium Hanalei District. Waipa ahupuaa SW of Waipa stream Pasture land and secondary forest giving way to Metrosideros dominated forest near base of ridge that forms natural boundary of area. Preserved_Specimen Flynn, T.W. 3223 Kauai BISH 1988-12-02
2 Leptospermum scoparium Pupukea Paumalu Forest Reserve Off jeep road in open area. Associated with grasses and ferns. Preserved_Specimen Ishikawa, S. 308 Oahu BISH 1973-09-20
3 Leptospermum scoparium Waimano Trail, near summit Rainforest. Preserved_Specimen Bryan Jr., E.H. 1507 Oahu BISH 1941-03-23
4 Leptospermum scoparium Koolau Range, Kapalama Valley Dry lower forest. Preserved_Specimen Kuykendall, J.R. 23 Oahu BISH 1942-11-01
5 Leptospermum scoparium Waianae Range, trail between Mauna Kapu and Palikea, ca. halfway Dry exposed ridge slope. Preserved_Specimen Mäkinen, L. 65160 Oahu BISH 1965-11-06
6 Leptospermum scoparium Kipapa Trail, ~1.25 mi from boundary, ridgeline N and perpendicular to trail disturbed wet lowland forest; Metrosideros, Acacia, Dicranopteris Preserved_Specimen Reynolds, L.S. 202 Oahu BISH 2006-07-07
7 Leptospermum scoparium Lanaihale Planted. Preserved_Specimen Ordonez, E. 12977 Lanai BISH 1940-07-28
8 Leptospermum scoparium Waimano Home Trail Common trailside weed. Preserved_Specimen Takeuchi, W.N. 1769 Oahu BISH 1984-10-14
9 Leptospermum scoparium Laie. Puu Kainapuaa, Koolau Range Along wet summit trail. Preserved_Specimen Hosaka, E.Y. 1926 Oahu BISH 1937-12-19
10 Leptospermum scoparium Manana Ridge, westerly side ridge past Boy Scout Shelter #15 Koa mesic forest on open, flat side ridge with overstory of Metrosideros polymorpha, Acacia koa, understory of Dicranopteris linearis, Machaerina mariscoides ssp. meyenii, Sphenomeris chinensis, Passiflora laurifolia. Preserved_Specimen Imada, C. 200440 Oahu BISH 2004-05-11
11 Leptospermum scoparium Koolau Range, Kahuku-Pupukea Army Rd Native forest. Preserved_Specimen McGuire, T. Oahu BISH 1956-10-07
12 Leptospermum scoparium Kokee, ca. 1/2 mi E of Kalalau Lookout In wet, forested area. Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 1003 Kauai BISH 1968-03-30
13 Leptospermum scoparium Koolau Mts., leeward side, Manana Trail In Eucalyptus grove. Preserved_Specimen Wagner, W.L. 5491 Oahu BISH 1984-06-01
14 Leptospermum scoparium Munro Trail, S end Common along trail. Preserved_Specimen Flynn, T.W. 199 Lanai BISH 1982-05-25
15 Leptospermum scoparium Helemano, Northern Koolau Mountains. On sub ridge near mid LZ. Growing on Dicranopteis-Diplopterygium dominated slope with Meterosideros polymorpha, Antidesma platyphyllum, Machaerina, and others. Preserved_Specimen Thomas, M.K. 308 Oahu BISH 2022-03-30
16 Leptospermum scoparium Poamoho Trail, Paalaa Uka-Wahiawa, Koolau Range Middle, open, wet mountainside with ohia lehua. Preserved_Specimen Fujita, T. 77 Oahu BISH 1949-10-20
17 Leptospermum scoparium Honolulu, Kamilonui Valley, 948 Kamilonui Pl Potted; in full sun. Preserved_Specimen Lau, J. 1872 Oahu BISH 1986-01-13
18 Leptospermum scoparium Lanaihale, N end Munro trail, 3.6 mi in Stunted Ohia forest, growing under planted Eucalyptus. Preserved_Specimen Spence, G. 314 Lanai BISH 1973-10-19
19 Leptospermum scoparium East Maui, Makawao District, Kamaole, Kula Forest Reserve, below the plum trail Growing in an area of coniferous forestry plantings with few native elements: Rubus, Sophora, Dryopteris, Cheirodendron. Preserved_Specimen Oppenheimer, H.L. 70206 Maui BISH 2002-07-15
20 Leptospermum scoparium Poamoho Trail, Wahiawa, Koolau Range Wet forests along trail. Preserved_Specimen Shinohara, B. 26 Oahu BISH 1946-10-20
21 Leptospermum scoparium Kokee, ca. 1/2 mi E of Kalalau Lookout In wet forested area. Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 1003 Kauai BISH 1968-03-30
22 Leptospermum scoparium Lanaihale Planted. Preserved_Specimen Ordonez, E. 12977 Lanai BISH 1940-07-28
23 Leptospermum scoparium Koolau Mts, Southern Koolau, Kuliouou Summit Mesic wet summit environment in full sun. Preserved_Specimen K. Arthur 233 Oahu BISH 2025-12-22
24 Leptospermum scoparium Koolau Range, Kahuku-Pupukea Army Rd Native forest. Preserved_Specimen McGuire, T. Oahu BISH 1956-10-07
25 Leptospermum scoparium Lanaihale, peak Metrosideros forest. Preserved_Specimen Little Jr., E.L. 31240 Lanai BISH 1976-09-17
26 Leptospermum scoparium Waialua/Wahiawa Districts: Koolau Mts., Kawailoa/Ewa Forest Reserves, Poamoho Ridge Trail Wet forest. Preserved_Specimen Lammers, T.G. 5502 Oahu BISH 1984-06-16
27 Leptospermum scoparium Poamoho Ridge Trail, Ewa Forest Reserve, Koolau Range. 5-10 mi NE of Wahiawa Wet forest. Planted along trail. Preserved_Specimen Little Jr., E.L. 31197 Oahu BISH 1976-09-10
28 Leptospermum scoparium Palikea Trail, Waianae Mts Preserved_Specimen Crosby, M.R. 1907 Oahu BISH 1964-07-31
29 Leptospermum scoparium Waianae Mts., Waianae Kai Forest Reserve, Waianae-Kaala Trail on knife ridge Preserved_Specimen Hernandez, J.P. 69 Oahu BISH 2007-04-28
30 Leptospermum scoparium Poamoho Trail, Koolau Range Preserved_Specimen Woolford, H.A. 49 Oahu BISH 1955-11-20
31 Leptospermum scoparium Lanaihale Preserved_Specimen Krauss, N.L.H. 962 Lanai BISH 1965-02-17
32 Leptospermum scoparium Puu Alii Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 174 Lanai BISH 1927-08-01
33 Leptospermum scoparium Waialala Valley Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 387 Lanai BISH 1928-10-23
34 Leptospermum scoparium Valley near Waialala Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 389 Lanai BISH 1928-10-23
35 Leptospermum scoparium NaPali-Kona Forest Reserve. Milolii ridge road ca 2.5 mi from Makaha ridge road Preserved_Specimen Flynn, T.W. 1876 Kauai BISH 1986-08-27
36 Leptospermum scoparium Koloa District, Kalaheo. Farm of Roger Peckenpaugh, Kauai Tropicals Preserved_Specimen Flynn, T.W. 5635 Kauai BISH 1994-10-13
37 Leptospermum scoparium Valley near Waialala Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 386 Lanai BISH 1928-10-23
38 Leptospermum scoparium Hawaii National Park, Kilauea, rim of Kilauea Crater, Jaggers' house Preserved_Specimen Fagerlund, G.O. 450 Hawaii BISH 1943-03-10
39 Leptospermum scoparium Kilohana crater Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 17298 Kauai BISH 1910-01-31
40 Leptospermum scoparium Lanai Preserved_Specimen Stone, B.C. 871 Lanai BISH 1955-07-04
41 Leptospermum scoparium Honolulu Board of Water Supply Halawa, Xeriscape Garden, Halawa Valley Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 9232 Oahu BISH 1990-03-03
42 Leptospermum scoparium Honolulu Board of Water Supply Halawa, Xeriscape Garden, Halawa Valley Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 9232 Oahu BISH 1990-03-03
43 Leptospermum scoparium Tantalus, Mr. Munro's mountain house Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. Oahu BISH 1939-10-13
44 Leptospermum scoparium Kokee: Camp 10 Road; Garden at Plew's residence Preserved_Specimen Plews, J.H.R. Kauai BISH 1986-10-23
45 Leptospermum scoparium Lanaihale Preserved_Specimen Kondo, Y. Lanai BISH 1961-03-26
46 Leptospermum scoparium Alewa Hts. trail Preserved_Specimen Kerr, M. Oahu BISH 1945-09-16
47 Leptospermum scoparium Honolulu, Kapalama Forest Reserve Preserved_Specimen Rankin, P. Oahu BISH 1938-03-15
48 Leptospermum scoparium Tantalus, Mr. Munro's mountain house Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. Oahu BISH 1939-10-13
49 Leptospermum scoparium Koloa District, Kalaheo. Farm of Roger Peckenpaugh, Kauai Tropicals Preserved_Specimen Flynn, T.W. 5636 Kauai BISH 1994-10-13
50 Leptospermum scoparium Oio, Paumalu Trail Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 28183 Oahu BISH 1940-06-16
51 Leptospermum scoparium Lanaihale Preserved_Specimen Krauss, N.L.H. 961 Lanai BISH 1965-02-17
52 Leptospermum scoparium Alewa Hts. trail, near cabin Preserved_Specimen Kerr, M. 12 Oahu BISH 1945-09-16
53 Leptospermum scoparium Kokee, ca. 1/2 mi E of Kalalau Lookout Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 1003 Kauai BISH 1968-03-30
54 Leptospermum scoparium Valley by Waialala Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 388 Lanai BISH 1928-10-23
55 Leptospermum scoparium Honolulu; Halawa Hts. trail, near cabin Preserved_Specimen Kerr, M. 12 Oahu BISH 1945-09-16
56 Leptospermum scoparium Kokee: Camp 10 Road; Garden at Plew's residence Preserved_Specimen Plews, J.H.R. Kauai BISH 1986-10-23
57 Leptospermum scoparium Koolau Range, Waimano Preserved_Specimen Wong, C.C.Y. Oahu BISH 1944-01-01
58 Leptospermum scoparium Honolulu, ridges behind Kamehameha Girls' School Preserved_Specimen Judd Jr., A.F. Oahu BISH 1938-06-04
59 Leptospermum scoparium Palikea Preserved_Specimen 18 Oahu BISH 1963-10-12
60 Leptospermum scoparium East Maui, Makawao District, Kamaole, Kula Forest Reserve, below the plum trail Growing in an area of coniferous forestry plantings with few native elements: Rubus, Sophora, Dryopteris, Cheirodendron. Preserved_Specimen Oppenheimer, H.L. 70206 Maui BISH 2002-07-15
61 Leptospermum scoparium Kula, Crater Rd., roadcut. Apparently here since 2005 (P. Bily pers. comm). Sparingly Naturalized. Pasture and remnant shrubland, with Pennisetum clandestinum and Leptecophylla tameiameae. Preserved_Specimen Starr, F. 11061501 Maui BISH 2011-06-15
62 Leptospermum scoparium Koolau Mts, Kapalama Ridge Trail Full sun mesic trail side plants. Associates; Dicranopteris linearis, Odontosoria chinensis, Scaevola gaudichaudiana, Metrosideros polymorpha. Preserved_Specimen K. Arthur 216 Oahu BISH 2025-11-21
63 Leptospermum scoparium Koolau Range, Poamoho Trail On lower edge of lower forest. Preserved_Specimen Bryan Jr., E.H. 1494 Oahu BISH 1940-12-22
64 Leptospermum scoparium Manana. Central Koolau mountains. Growing on ridgeline in mesic forest dominated by Dicranopteris linearis, Acacia koa, Metrosideros polymorpha, Psidium cattleianum, Lindsaea ensifolia, Odontosoria chinensis, and others. Preserved_Specimen Thomas, M.K. 668 Oahu BISH 2024-05-20
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