Fauna
Plant

Mānuka

Leptospermum scoparium

Also known as Tea Tree, Broom Teatree, Kahikātoa, New Zealand Teatree

Mānuka functions as a resilient nursery plant across open landscapes, stabilizing degraded soils while sheltering slower-growing forest seedlings beneath its boughs. Its sharply pointed, evergreen leaves release a spicy, pungent scent when bruised, complemented from spring through summer by five-petaled white or pale pink blossoms. In addition to anchoring early forest succession, this durable shrub provides vital nectar for hundreds of native invertebrate species.

Pioneer PlantAromaticEvergreen
Mānuka reference1 / 7
no rights reserved, uploaded by Peter de Lange · cc0
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Brushtail Possum
  • Mānuka Beetle
ThreatsMyrtle rust fungus, land development, and browsing by invasive mammals
HabitatsShrublands, forest margins, peat bogs, coastal cliffs, and regenerating hillsides
Life span30–60 years
Classification
  1. FamilyMyrtaceae
  2. SpeciesLeptospermum scoparium
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Foliage test: Touch leaf tips gently to feel the prickly, needle-like points distinguishing it from kānuka.
  • Aroma check: Crush a fallen leaf between your fingers to release the spicy, medicinal scent.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…