Botanic Gardens Trust, Sydney, Australia

Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW

Tea-tree or not Tea-tree?

Peter Wilson, Botanist

My research work with the Botanic Gardens Trust has led to the rearrangement of the groups within the Myrtaceae (or Myrtle) family. This is a large plant family that includes the Australian bottlebrushes and eucalypts (gum trees). Plants in the Myrtaceae can usually be recognised by their showy stamens and aromatic leaves. Using new information from DNA, I discovered that the plants called Tea-trees are not all related to each other, showing that appearances can be deceiving. Getting relationships right can help predict disease susceptibility and assist in horticultural development.

Did you know?

  • The Myrtaceae includes Eucalyptus, Leptospermum, Melaleuca, Callistemon and many other genera.
  • The tallest hardwood tree ever measured was an Australian Mountain Ash, Eucalyptus regnans.
  • Eucalypt woodchips provide pulp for fine writing and printing paper. Over 55% of woodchips come from native forests.
  • European Myrtle was grown in ancient Rome and clipped regularly to release the scent of its fragrant oils
  • Foods from the Myrtaceae include guavas, allspice and cloves.
  • The Crepe Myrtle is not in the Myrtaceae but does belong in a closely related family.

Peter-Wilson

Leptospermum-spectabile

^Back To Top