Peach blossom tea-tree facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Peach blossom tea-tree |
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| Flower | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Leptospermum
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| Species: |
squarrosum
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| Synonyms | |
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The peach blossom tea-tree (scientific name: Leptospermum squarrosum) is a lovely shrub. It is part of the Myrtaceae plant family. This plant grows naturally only in central eastern New South Wales, Australia. It has thin, firm bark and leaves that are shaped like a spear. Its flowers are usually white or pink and quite large. The fruit stays on the plant even after it is ripe.
What Does It Look Like?
The peach blossom tea-tree is an upright shrub. It can grow to different heights, from less than 1 metre to 4 metres or more. Its bark is thin and firm. When the young stems first grow, they are covered in silky hairs. But they soon become smooth (which means glabrous).
The leaves of this plant can vary in shape. Most are broadly lance-shaped or oval (elliptical). They are usually 5 to 15 millimetres long and 2 to 5 millimetres wide. Each leaf has a sharp, pointed tip. It narrows down to a short stalk (called a petiole).
The flowers are either white or pink. They are mostly 10 to 20 millimetres wide. Each flower grows by itself on short side branches. The base of the flower (called the floral cup or hypanthium) sits directly on the stem (which means sessile). It is 2.5 to 4 millimetres long and smooth. The green leaf-like parts that protect the bud (called sepals) are also smooth. They are 2 to 3 millimetres long. The five petals are 3 to 7 millimetres long. The parts that hold the pollen (called stamens) are 3 to 4 millimetres long. This tea-tree usually flowers from March to April. After flowering, it produces a fruit. This fruit is a dry pod (called a capsule). It is mostly 8 to 12 millimetres wide and stays on the plant when it is mature.
How It Got Its Name
The scientific name Leptospermum squarrosum was first officially described in 1788. This was done by a scientist named Joseph Gaertner. He wrote about it in his book De Fructibus et Seminibus Plantarum. He studied plant samples that were collected by Joseph Banks.
Where Does It Grow?
The peach blossom tea-tree grows in areas with shrubs. It prefers sandy soils near the coast and on nearby tablelands in New South Wales. It is especially common around the Sydney area.
Growing This Tea-Tree
This tea-tree is a tough shrub. It grows best in a sunny spot with soil that drains well. It can also handle salty conditions. This means it can grow well in places exposed to wind and sea spray.
