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CITRONELLA TEA TREE- Leptospermum liversidgeiUses:
This pleasant citronella smelling shrub has insect repellant qualities. Reputed to a mosquito repellent. Just rub the leaves on the skin for temporary relief from mossies. Essential oils can also be distilled from the leaves, with up to 1.7% of essential oil yield from fresh weight leaf. The essential oil contains citronellal, an aromatic compound renown to repel insects.
In the garden the shrub is ideal for use as a low hedge plant, or as an ornamental specimen. On hot days the oil perfumes the air around the shrub.
Plant description and habitat:
An attractive heath-land shrub up to 2 m in height. It has cream to pink flowers in Spring. The small bright green leaves have a pleasantly citronella-scented. The plant naturally grows in sandy coastal wet heath.
Cultivation:
Full sun growing conditions is preferable. Likes open soils, but has some tolerance of heavier soils. Well adapted to poorer soils. Good frost tolerance, down to minus 6 degrees Celsius.
This citronellal chemotype has been essential oil tested.
NB Not to be confused with the more common lemon-scented tea-tree (Leptospermum petersonii).
Mega Tube | $11.90 AU | Seeking Propagation Material |
| Height | Frost tol. | Pollination req'd | Evergreen/Deciduous | Harvest period |
| 1-2 | High | No | Evergreen |
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Updated: 28th of May, 2008 at 4:00pm © Disclaimer/Privacy/Copyright