Tea Tree, how to grow the wonderful Melaleuca alternifolia!

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The tea tree is not easy to present.

We are talking about a plant that is often, at least in terms, mistaken for the plant used to produce tea, but that is Camellia sinensis, a completely different genus!

Our dear tea tree, however, has nothing to envy of her.

It has a very particular shape, observing its branches it seems that snowflakes have remained resting on them.

Look at it carefully: don’t the branches wrapped in white, pompous and almost feathery-effect blooms remind you a little of the frozen crystals that make up the snow?

In short, observing the branches swaying in the wind brings back the quiet and intense image of a cold winter morning.

However, the tea tree is not only beautiful, in fact it has truly remarkable beneficial properties!

Are you curious? Let’s go and discover them!

MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA

Melaleuca alternifolia, also known simply as «tea tree» or «tea tree», is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Myrtaceae family.

It is native to eastern Australia and the northern coasts, but it is also possible to find it in areas of New South Wales. The Melaleuca genus has more than 150 species, all with thick foliage and excellent ornamental value, whose height usually reaches a maximum of 2-3 metres.

In nature it can be found growing spontaneously near streams and swamps.

Its botanical name derives from “mélas”, i.e. “black” and from “leukòs”, “white”. This very particular name was given in reference to the color of its bark, which when the plant is young is very light, then darkens over the years.

THE FLOWERING

As we mentioned in the introduction, the tea tree can boast truly graceful flowering. In its most common form it is white, but depending on the variety it can also be found in other colors.

Furthermore, during the hot months, the white flowers are joined by some colored tufts given by the stamens, making the plant even more lively and pleasant.

Without forgetting its woody fruits, which with their spherical shape almost embellish the branches.

CULTIVATION

The tea tree is a rather delicate plant, so if we want to make sure it grows in the best possible way, it is good to pay attention to its needs, especially exposure!

PLACING

Despite what you might think, there is no real «planting period», this is because plants purchased at the nurserytherefore like those you can find on our e-commerce, or at our office, they are suitable for planting throughout the yearas they have already formed roots and are able to acclimatise correctly.

The only thing to watch out for is hydration. For the two weeks following planting it is advisable to give the Tea Tree a drink frequently.

TEMPERATURE

While the heat does nothing to her, cold and humidity are enemies that could be fatal. If you live in the south and can count on the temperatures never dropping below 5°C, then you can plant it in open ground and use protection in case the temperature drops significantly. To protect it, simply cover the surrounding earth with straw or dry leaves.

Otherwise it is better to grow it in a pot, so that you can move it to a sheltered place when the great winter cold arrives.

EXPOSURE

It loves heat and light, so the ideal is to plant it in full sun positions.

WATERING

In the hot months it is important to ensure a good quantity of waterwhile in Autumn and Winter it will be enough to water it only once every two or three weeks. It is important, during the cold months, that the soil is dry for a few days before proceeding with a new watering.

FERTILIZATION

Towards the end of winter it is useful to give some manure or bush fertilizer, in order to help the plant which is about to enter the vegetative phase.

SOIL AND REPOTTING

The tea tree will adapt well to practically any soil, but it is advisable to use a soil that is generally acidic, well draining and as light as possible.

“NATURE’S MOST VERSATILE HEALER”

This is how the Bundjalung tribe defines the tea tree. This tribe native to Australia has been using its extract, Melaleuca oil, since ancient times. But the great fame of this product is not just a popular belief, in fact the beneficial properties of tea tree have been confirmed by the scientific community.

The misunderstandable name of this plant derives from the past, when James Cook, the man who discovered Australia, took the example of the native populations and began to use melaleuca leaves to prepare tea, a custom which then spread among the English sailors who landed there, eager to be able to have the beloved five o’clock tea. After that the name remained identifying the plant, although it did not refer to the canonical tea which instead originates from Camellia Sinensis.

TREE ESSENTIAL OIL

This extract is becoming increasingly widespread, thanks to the thousand uses to which it lends itself. The oil is made by distilling the leaves of the Tea Tree, the Australian government has outlined precise dictates so that its production is regulated in a specific and correct way. The amber liquid has an intense and pleasant scent reminiscent of nutmeg.

In the 1930s, Melaleuca essential oil was recognized on a scientific level and is still regularly prescribed by doctors today. Of course, in many cases, it is not comparable to synthetic drugs or antibiotics, but it is still an excellent choice for those who prefer natural products.

Let us now look at its main properties:

• Antiseptics;
• Antifungals;
• Antibacterial;
• Antivirals;
• Deodorants;
• Preservatives;
• Mildly anesthetic.

There are 48 organic compounds contained in this wonderful oil but it is thanks to Terpinene (30% of the compound) and Cineol (15%) that its effectiveness is so strong.

IN WHICH CASES CAN IT HELP US?

There are many diseases and/or disorders for which tea tree oil proves to be helpful, the best known of which are:

• Dermatitis;
• Itching;
• Minor burns;
• Sunburn;
• Skin and nail mycosis;
• Acne;
• Herpes;
• Leeks and warts;
• Dandruff;
• Inflammation of the gums;
• After;
• Pharyngitis;
• Influence.

These are just some of the benefits that Melaleuca essential oil can bring, then a lot depends on in what form you want to use it. It is in fact found in many products, from creams to lotions, from ointments to soaps, and it can also be found in many types of cosmetic products and household hygiene products.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Like everything, this extract must be used with some caution.

Despite the reassuring name of «Tea Oil», which might lead us to think that drinking a little of it could only be good for us, in reality this is absolutely not the case. This oil should never be ingested and can only be used in the oral area in very small quantities (and it would still be a good idea to consult your doctor first).

Furthermore, it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Allergy sufferers should also pay attention, Tea Tree Oil may contain allergenic agents.

In any case, it is not recommended to use pure Tea Tree oil but it is always better to dilute it.

In short, this oil is truly prodigious! Not to mention that the plant from which it comes has the characteristic of being able to give a touch of elegance to all gardens. Beauty, elegance and utility, what more could you want?