Leptospermum petersonii – Lemon Scented Tea Tree
H: 5m
W: 3m
Prolific white flowers in spring and summer on fine foliage which has a bronze tinge when new. The crushed leaves have a lemon scent.
Edible uses: Used to make tea.
Pests and Diseases: Webbing caterpillar is a pest of most Tea Tree. The clump of caterpillars can be removed by hand. Scale and sooty mould can also be a problem but are usually combatted by good health and a well mulched tree.
Uses in the garden: Screening, specimen tree, wind break, erosion control and in pots. Make sure to prune regularly to maintain a bushy habit.
Position: Full sun to part shade.
Propagation: Grown from seed after flowering and by semi-hardwood cuttings. An easy tree to strike.
Growing Range: Sandy soil and rainforest areas from Sydney through to Queensland.
Photos by Lucas Christofides (Top) and Pete Woodall (bottom) under Creative Commons License
Source: Author Terry Rankmore
Issuing Body Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation
Sponsoring Body Environmental Trust (N.S.W)
Source: Aunty Jenni Tillett and Corinne Payne. Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung, Ngarrabul and Walbanja Yuin Women.
Born and raised on Dharawal/ Tharawal country.
*This information is a guide only. Correct identification is required before trying any native bush foods. Care must be taken to not consume plants in an environment where pesticides or herbicides may have been used.