img

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

img

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

img

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 Description Recorded By Record Number Island Source Date
1 Leptospermum scoparium Waialua/Wahiawa Districts: Koolau Mts., Kawailoa/Ewa Forest Reserves, Poamoho Ridge Trail Wet forest. Preserved_Specimen Shrub, 5 m; cor pink to white. Lammers, T.G. 5502 Oahu BISH 1984-06-16
2 Leptospermum scoparium Koolau Range, Kahuku-Pupukea Army Rd Native forest. Preserved_Specimen Large bush, 10+ ft. high; flowers white. Growing with pink-flowered variety. McGuire, T. Oahu BISH 1956-10-07
3 Leptospermum scoparium Poamoho Ridge Trail, Ewa Forest Reserve, Koolau Range. 5-10 mi NE of Wahiawa Wet forest. Planted along trail. Preserved_Specimen Small tree 20', 6 diam. Little Jr., E.L. 31197 Oahu BISH 1976-09-10
4 Leptospermum scoparium NaPali-Kona Forest Reserve. Milolii ridge road ca 2.5 mi from Makaha ridge road Preserved_Specimen Two shrubs of 4'; petals white, sepals yellowish white. Recepticle green tinged red. Flynn, T.W. 1876 Kauai BISH 1986-08-27
5 Leptospermum scoparium Waialala Valley Preserved_Specimen Pink flowered variety. Very rare in wild state. Munro, G.C. 387 Lanai BISH 1928-10-23
6 Leptospermum scoparium Valley near Waialala Preserved_Specimen A larger and handsomer species than L. scoparium. Known as white teatree from color of wood. Munro, G.C. 389 Lanai BISH 1928-10-23
7 Leptospermum scoparium Palikea Trail, Waianae Mts Preserved_Specimen Sepals white, red at bases; petals white; filaments white; ovary red, style green; fruits brown. Crosby, M.R. 1907 Oahu BISH 1964-07-31
8 Leptospermum scoparium Koloa District, Kalaheo. Farm of Roger Peckenpaugh, Kauai Tropicals Preserved_Specimen Shrub of 4'; leaves green with maroon overlay, calyx pale green with dark pink lobes, petals dark pink to wine colored, recepticle dark maroonish-black within, ovary same; new leaves pale green with young stems tinged pink. Flynn, T.W. 5635 Kauai BISH 1994-10-13
9 Leptospermum scoparium Hawaii National Park, Kilauea, rim of Kilauea Crater, Jaggers' house Preserved_Specimen Shrub 2-5' tall; flowers pinkish white. Fagerlund, G.O. 450 Hawaii BISH 1943-03-10
10 Leptospermum scoparium Lanaihale Preserved_Specimen Krauss, N.L.H. 962 Lanai BISH 1965-02-17
11 Leptospermum scoparium Honolulu Board of Water Supply Halawa, Xeriscape Garden, Halawa Valley Preserved_Specimen Erect shrub ca 5' tall; branches fastigiate, covered in stiffly spiny leaves; flowers deep red with a darker center. Herbst, D.R. 9232 Oahu BISH 1990-03-03
12 Leptospermum scoparium Valley by Waialala Preserved_Specimen Pink spots in center of flower. Munro, G.C. 388 Lanai BISH 1928-10-23
13 Leptospermum scoparium Honolulu Board of Water Supply Halawa, Xeriscape Garden, Halawa Valley Preserved_Specimen Erect shrub ca 5' tall; branches fastigiate, leaves stiff and spiny; flowers pale pink with a dark, almost black center. Herbst, D.R. 9232 Oahu BISH 1990-03-03
14 Leptospermum scoparium Tantalus, Mr. Munro's mountain house Preserved_Specimen Flowers rose-colored. Munro, G.C. Oahu BISH 1939-10-13
15 Leptospermum scoparium Lanaihale Preserved_Specimen Pink-flowered. Kondo, Y. Lanai BISH 1961-03-26
16 Leptospermum scoparium Poamoho Trail, Koolau Range Preserved_Specimen Woolford, H.A. 49 Oahu BISH 1955-11-20
17 Leptospermum scoparium Koloa District, Kalaheo. Farm of Roger Peckenpaugh, Kauai Tropicals Preserved_Specimen Shrub of 3'; leaves dark dull green above, glossy below; calyx green with whitish-pink lobes; petals white w/pink veins fading to pink; recepticle green turning dark maroon. Flynn, T.W. 5636 Kauai BISH 1994-10-13
18 Leptospermum scoparium Tantalus, Mr. Munro's mountain house Preserved_Specimen Flowers white. Munro, G.C. Oahu BISH 1939-10-13
19 Leptospermum scoparium Lanai Preserved_Specimen Stone, B.C. 871 Lanai BISH 1955-07-04
20 Leptospermum scoparium Puu Alii Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 174 Lanai BISH 1927-08-01
21 Leptospermum scoparium Valley near Waialala Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 386 Lanai BISH 1928-10-23
22 Leptospermum scoparium Kilohana crater Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 17298 Kauai BISH 1910-01-31
23 Leptospermum scoparium Oio, Paumalu Trail Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 28183 Oahu BISH 1940-06-16
24 Leptospermum scoparium Lanaihale Preserved_Specimen Krauss, N.L.H. 961 Lanai BISH 1965-02-17
25 Leptospermum scoparium Alewa Hts. trail, near cabin Preserved_Specimen Kerr, M. 12 Oahu BISH 1945-09-16
26 Leptospermum scoparium Kokee, ca. 1/2 mi E of Kalalau Lookout Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 1003 Kauai BISH 1968-03-30
27 Leptospermum scoparium Honolulu; Halawa Hts. trail, near cabin Preserved_Specimen Kerr, M. 12 Oahu BISH 1945-09-16
28 Leptospermum scoparium Kokee: Camp 10 Road; Garden at Plew's residence Preserved_Specimen Plews, J.H.R. Kauai BISH 1986-10-23
29 Leptospermum scoparium Kokee: Camp 10 Road; Garden at Plew's residence Preserved_Specimen Plews, J.H.R. Kauai BISH 1986-10-23
30 Leptospermum scoparium Alewa Hts. trail Preserved_Specimen Kerr, M. Oahu BISH 1945-09-16
31 Leptospermum scoparium Koolau Range, Waimano Preserved_Specimen Wong, C.C.Y. Oahu BISH 1944-01-01
32 Leptospermum scoparium Honolulu, Kapalama Forest Reserve Preserved_Specimen Rankin, P. Oahu BISH 1938-03-15
33 Leptospermum scoparium Honolulu, ridges behind Kamehameha Girls' School Preserved_Specimen Judd Jr., A.F. Oahu BISH 1938-06-04
34 Leptospermum scoparium Palikea Preserved_Specimen 18 Oahu BISH 1963-10-12
35 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 A few large blushes and lots of seedlings. Starr, F. 11061501 Maui BISH 2011-06-15
36 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
37 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 Shrubs to 3m ht. Oppenheimer, H.L. 70206 Maui BISH 2002-07-15
38 Leptospermum scoparium Koolau Mts, Kapalama Ridge Trail Full sun mesic trail side plants. Associates; Dicranopteris linearis, Odontosoria chinensis, Scaevola gaudichaudiana, Metrosideros polymorpha. Preserved_Specimen Forming dense colonies flowering at all stages of growth. Individuals as small as 2-3 inches seen flowering. K. Arthur 216 Oahu BISH 2025-11-21
39 Leptospermum scoparium Koolau Range, Poamoho Trail On lower edge of lower forest. Preserved_Specimen Wiry shrub, 2+/- m high; upper flws white, lower flws red, suggesting change from red to white. Bryan Jr., E.H. 1494 Oahu BISH 1940-12-22
40 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 Large shrub rouhly 1 m tall. Flowers white, leaves stiff and pokey. Bark flaking off in strips. Thomas, M.K. 668 Oahu BISH 2024-05-20
41 Leptospermum scoparium Laie. Puu Kainapuaa, Koolau Range Along wet summit trail. Preserved_Specimen Hosaka, E.Y. 1926 Oahu BISH 1937-12-19
42 Leptospermum scoparium Kipapa Trail, ~1.25 mi from boundary, ridgeline N and perpendicular to trail disturbed wet lowland forest; Metrosideros, Acacia, Dicranopteris Preserved_Specimen ~50 cm shrub; flower numerous, small, white Reynolds, L.S. 202 Oahu BISH 2006-07-07
43 Leptospermum scoparium Lanaihale Planted. Preserved_Specimen Ordonez, E. 12977 Lanai BISH 1940-07-28
44 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 A single shrub of 7'; petals white; filaments white; recepticle maroon. Flynn, T.W. 3223 Kauai BISH 1988-12-02
45 Leptospermum scoparium Pupukea Paumalu Forest Reserve Off jeep road in open area. Associated with grasses and ferns. Preserved_Specimen Shrub-small tree 15'; leaves spine-tipped, sessile, linear. Flowers pink. Ishikawa, S. 308 Oahu BISH 1973-09-20
46 Leptospermum scoparium Waimano Trail, near summit Rainforest. Preserved_Specimen Erect shrub, 2-4 m tall. Flowers white to lavender-purple. Bryan Jr., E.H. 1507 Oahu BISH 1941-03-23
47 Leptospermum scoparium Koolau Range, Kapalama Valley Dry lower forest. Preserved_Specimen Erect shrub, 3.5 m tall, many branches. Kuykendall, J.R. 23 Oahu BISH 1942-11-01
48 Leptospermum scoparium Waimano Home Trail Common trailside weed. Preserved_Specimen Takeuchi, W.N. 1769 Oahu BISH 1984-10-14
49 Leptospermum scoparium Poamoho Trail, Paalaa Uka-Wahiawa, Koolau Range Middle, open, wet mountainside with ohia lehua. Preserved_Specimen Shrub; flower pink; fruit brown capsule. Aromatic. Fujita, T. 77 Oahu BISH 1949-10-20
50 Leptospermum scoparium Waianae Range, trail between Mauna Kapu and Palikea, ca. halfway Dry exposed ridge slope. Preserved_Specimen Shrub, 50 cm. Mäkinen, L. 65160 Oahu BISH 1965-11-06
51 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 Infestation of small trees 4-6 ft. tall; flowers 5-petaled, white with a maroon center. Imada, C. 200440 Oahu BISH 2004-05-11
52 Leptospermum scoparium Koolau Range, Kahuku-Pupukea Army Rd Native forest. Preserved_Specimen Large bush, 10+ ft. high; flowers pink. Growing with white-flowered species. McGuire, T. Oahu BISH 1956-10-07
53 Leptospermum scoparium Koolau Mts., leeward side, Manana Trail In Eucalyptus grove. Preserved_Specimen Wagner, W.L. 5491 Oahu BISH 1984-06-01
54 Leptospermum scoparium Munro Trail, S end Common along trail. Preserved_Specimen Shrub. Flowers white or pink. Flynn, T.W. 199 Lanai BISH 1982-05-25
55 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 Small shrub about 3 ft. high. Leaves stiff, narrowly elliptic to lanceolate. Flowers with with pink in center. Fruit a turbinate capsule. Thomas, M.K. 308 Oahu BISH 2022-03-30
56 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 Shrubs to 3m ht. Oppenheimer, H.L. 70206 Maui BISH 2002-07-15
57 Leptospermum scoparium Honolulu, Kamilonui Valley, 948 Kamilonui Pl Potted; in full sun. Preserved_Specimen A shrub 1 m tall; flowers light pink to dark pink; odorless (afternoon). Lau, J. 1872 Oahu BISH 1986-01-13
58 Leptospermum scoparium Lanaihale, N end Munro trail, 3.6 mi in Stunted Ohia forest, growing under planted Eucalyptus. Preserved_Specimen Tree-shrub to 3 m; leaves alternate; petioles; linear-lanceolate; 1.4 cm by .2 cm. Flowers axillary. Corolla 2/five rounded white to pink petals; many free stamens. Spence, G. 314 Lanai BISH 1973-10-19
59 Leptospermum scoparium Poamoho Trail, Wahiawa, Koolau Range Wet forests along trail. Preserved_Specimen Bush; flower pink. Shinohara, B. 26 Oahu BISH 1946-10-20
60 Leptospermum scoparium Kokee, ca. 1/2 mi E of Kalalau Lookout In wet forested area. Preserved_Specimen Shrub with many fine branches, hard wood, dark green foliage, and dark pink flowers. Herbst, D.R. 1003 Kauai BISH 1968-03-30
61 Leptospermum scoparium Kokee, ca. 1/2 mi E of Kalalau Lookout In wet, forested area. Preserved_Specimen Shrub with many fine branches, hard wood, dark green foliage, and dark pink flowers. Herbst, D.R. 1003 Kauai BISH 1968-03-30
62 Leptospermum scoparium Lanaihale, peak Metrosideros forest. Preserved_Specimen Small tree 20', 6 diam. Little Jr., E.L. 31240 Lanai BISH 1976-09-17
63 Leptospermum scoparium Lanaihale Planted. Preserved_Specimen Ordonez, E. 12977 Lanai BISH 1940-07-28
64 Leptospermum scoparium Koolau Mts, Southern Koolau, Kuliouou Summit Mesic wet summit environment in full sun. Preserved_Specimen Plants roughly 1 m tall at the tallest. Flower petals white with pink sepals. K. Arthur 233 Oahu BISH 2025-12-22
Back to Top