Australian Myrtle
Leptospermum laevigatum
NEMBA category
English: Australian Myrtle, Coast Tea Tree
Misapplied or old scientific names: Fabricia laevigata, Gaudium laevigatum, Fabricia myrtifolia
Leptospermum laevigatum, commonly known as the Australian Myrtle or Coast Tea Tree, is a robust evergreen shrub or small tree that typically grows to heights of 4-8 meters. It features small, leathery, oval-shaped grey-green leaves and produces abundant white flowers about 2 cm in diameter. The plant has a spreading crown and distinctive bark that peels in long strips.
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Origins: Australia (South-eastern Australia)
Overall Appearance: A dense, evergreen shrub or small tree that grows 1-8 meters tall.
Leaves: Small, leathery, grey-green leaves, typically 1-3 cm long, with rounded tips.
Flowers: White, star-shaped flowers, 1-2 cm in diameter in spring (August to October).
Fruits: Small, woody capsules containing numerous small seeds.
Seeds: Numerous, small, and easily dispersed by wind and water.
Bark: Thin, rough bark that often peels in long strips.
Wood: Hard, dense wood.
Soil Type: Tolerates a wide range of soil types, including sandy soils.
Aspect: Full sun to partial shade.
Uses:
Ornamental planting (though not recommended due to its invasive nature).
Historically used for timber and fuelwood.
Provinces Affected: Widespread in South Africa, particularly in coastal and fynbos regions, especially the Western Cape and Eastern Cape.
Note: Australian Tea Tree is a highly invasive species in South Africa. It forms dense thickets that displace native vegetation, alter fire regimes, and reduce biodiversity. It is particularly problematic in fynbos and coastal ecosystems.
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