Unusual or exotic trees : The Myrtle family
by Lewis, 9 August, 2019, 0 comments
The myrtle family includes plants such as the bay rum tree, guava, all spice, eucalyptus and myrtle. All are woody, with evergreen leaves and produce essential oils. The Eucalypts are particularly associated with Australasia, with Eucalyptus regnans being the tallest flowering plant in the world (see featured image). However, one particular genus that has come to prominence in recent years is Leptospermum, largely due to interest in L. scoparium - the Manuka or tea tree. This grows uncultivated throughout New Zealand and south eastern Australia. The common name of tea tree comes from the practice of early Australian settlers who infused the leaves in boiling water to make a herbal tea.
The honey produced from the nectar of these trees is much in demand and is being investigated for its anti-bacterial properties. Manuka honey (as it is generally referred to after the Maori name for the tea tree) Read more...
