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Leptospermum ericoides - Rich.

Common Name
Family Myrtaceae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Lowland to montane shrubland, especially on margins, North and South Islands[44].
Range New Zealand.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Moist Soil Full sun
Leptospermum ericoides


Leptospermum ericoides

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Leptospermum ericoides is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Kunzea ericoides.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Shoots
Edible Uses: Tea

A refreshing tea can be made from the young shoot tips[173, 183].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antihalitosis  Antiphlogistic  Astringent  Depurative  Sedative  Stomachic

The leaves and young shoots are antihalitosis, antiphlogistic, astringent, depurative, sedative and stomachic.

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Wood

Wood - hard, durable. Used for bridges, shingles etc[46, 61]. When burned, it gives off a delicious aroma[245].

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in almost any neutral or acid soil of good or reasonable quality, preferring a light sandy loam and full sun[200]. Grows best in an acid sandy soil[260]. Prefers a position sheltered from hot or cold drying winds[200]. This species is not very cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c, though there are montane forms that might be hardier[260]. It only succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of Britain[200]. Resentful of root disturbance, plants should be pot grown and planted out in their final positions as soon as possible[200]. The flowers have a delicate sweet perfume[245]. Plants do not regenerate from old wood[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, and give some protection from the cold for their first winter or two outdoors. The seed remains viable for many years. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8 cm with a heel, early August in a frame. Over-winter in the greenhouse for its first year and plant out after the last expected frosts. Good percentage[78]. Cuttings of almost mature wood, 4 - 5 cm with a heel, October/November in a frame. Good percentage[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Leptospermum laevigatumCoast Tea Tree, Australian teatreeShrub9.0 8-11  LMHNM103
Leptospermum lanigerumwoolly tea-treeShrub5.0 7-10 MLMNM202
Leptospermum liversidgeiLemon-Scented Tea TreeShrub4.0 7-10  LMHNM212
Leptospermum petersoniiLemon Tea Tree, Common teatreeShrub4.5 8-11  LMHNM112
Leptospermum polygalifolium Shrub3.0 7-10  LMHNM102
Leptospermum scopariumTea Tree, Broom teatree, Manuka, New Zealand Tea TreeShrub5.0 8-11 MLMHNDM303

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Rich.

Botanical References

44

Links / References

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Subject : Leptospermum ericoides  
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