PRICKLY TEA-TREE (Leptospermum continentale) Seeds

A variable shrub to 2 m high, sometimes taller, by 2 m across. The white or rarely pale pink flowers are 1 cm in diameter and seen from late spring to early summer.

Prickly tea-tree occurs from Mudgee in central eastern New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory to the southern half of Victoria and south-eastern South Australia. It is widespread in heath and woodland in well-drained sandy soil but also in swampy places.

It is a hardy shrub, tolerating most soils and aspects.

Suitable for poorly drained areas.

Frost-hardy. (Plants given an this rating will tolerate frosts to -7°C in conditions of normal rainfall.)

Suitable hedge or screen plants.

Bush Tucker Uses:  Honeybees gather the nectar from its flowers.  Aromatic leaves were used for medicine; the stems of tall species were used for spears.

Germination: Sow light scattering of seed and cover lightly. Germinates in 2-5, Late Spring-Summer. Optimal germination temperature 18-25°C. 

Seed retains viability for several years stored at room temperature.

Tea trees are particularly important for the survival of our native bush bees.