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Leptospermum
Picture Source:California Cut Flower Commission
| Popular Name: Leptospermum |
| Botanical Name and Pronunciation: Leptospermum scoparium (lep-to-SPUR-mum sco-PAR-ee-um) |
| Common Name(s): Tea Tree, Lepto |
| Color(s): orange, salmon, pink, red, white |
| Form and Size: The woody stems of leptospermum are about 24 – 36 inches long. On the woody stems there are small, round and flat flowers crowded among leaves. Each flower has about a ½ inch diameter. |
| Vase Life: 7 – 10 days |
| Availability: winter – spring |
| Care Instructions: Remove any leaves from the bottom of the stem, cut under water and place in fresh water with flower food. |
| History and Usage: A member of the Myrtaceae (myrtle) family, leptospermum originated in Australia and New Zealand. Its botanical and popular name, leptospermum, comes from the word “leptos” which is Greek for slender and “sperma” which is Greek for a seed. This is in reference to its thin seeds. Another name, tea tree, comes from the voyages of Captain Cook. His crew drank tea made from the leaves in order to protect them from scurvy. In arrangements, leptospermum is beautiful as a filler flower. |
| Points of Interest: Relatives of leptospermum include eucalyptus, Geraldton waxflower and thryptomene. |
| Ethylene Sensitive: Yes |