Family:
Myrtaceae
Leptospermum obovatum
River Tea-tree
Other Names: Blunt-leaf Tea-tree
Name Origin:
Leptospermum — from Greek leptos, slender, and sperma, seed, referring to narrow seed of some species.
obovatum — from Latin obovatus, referring to obovate (broadest beyond middle) leaves.
Regional Subspecies:
Occurrence:
Regional:
Noted in the areas: Deadman’s-Bungowannah-Long Flat; Munderoo; Tooma; Lower Tooma- Greg Greg; Bringenbrong-Khancoban; Greenhills-Upper Tarcutta and Upper Adelong-Upper Yaven. Possibly also in areas surrounding those noted.
Australia:
NSW, Vic.
Habitat:
Swampy places, or among granite or sandstone rocks along swiftly flowing streams.
Habit:
Upright, erect, dense green shrub to over 2 m high. Smooth firm bark and aromatic leaves 5-20 mm long.
Site Preference:
Moist soils. Tolerates inundation, most frost and dry periods.
Characteristics:
Very hardy.
Flowering:
White, Nov-Jan.
Seed Collection:
Any time. Seeds retained on plants for many years, and shed after adversity such as injury, drought or fire. Collect capsules from older wood. Seeds highly viable, remaining so for many years in storage.
Propagation:
From seed or tip cuttings, which strike readily. Sow light scattering of seed and cover lightly. Germinates in 2-5 weeks. Capillary watering should benefit fine seed. Suitable for direct seeding into pots.
Regeneration:
From seed dispersed by insects, including ants.
VALUES:
Shade & Shelter:
Useful low-level cover in windbreaks.
Land Protection:
Excellent for controlling streambank and gully erosion due to soil-binding fibrous roots.
Wildlife:
Excellent streamside habitat. Shade and insect source for fish. Submerged branches fish habitat. Flowers are a good pollen source for many insects, including moths and butterflies, and nectar source for birds.
Ornamental:
Attractive. Prune regularly to encourage bushiness.
Other:
Used in colonial medicine.