Tea tree - Melaleuca alternifolia

Description and Uses

Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea tree) is a tropical shrub from Northern Australia. It is mainly grown for its oil crops (long shelflife), The crop is harvested by hand picking. After 90 years the shrub can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Melaleuca alternifolia has a lifespan of 200 years.

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Environmental limitations

The shrub is 7 meters tall. It is very slow growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Melaleuca alternifolia has a shallow root-system and forms symbiotic relations (endo-mycorrhiza). It is not able to fix nitrogen. The shrub`s flower-morphology is hermaphroditic and is pollinated by bees.

Melaleuca alternifolia thrives in an altitude of 0 to 3000 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 6°C and optimally between 19 - 27°C. The optimal rainfall is 1800 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 1000 - 1600 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 7.0 in a soil texture of clay. To salt it is intolerant to wind and to fire a bit tolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

and diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are orthodox and can be stored for 1 months. There are approximative 75000 seeds/kg. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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