New Zealand Journal of Botany abstracts
A review of Leptospermum scoparium (Myrtaceae) in New
Zealand
J. M. C. Stephens
P. C. Molan
B. D. Clarkson
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Waikato
Private Bag 3105
Hamilton, New Zealand
jms6@waikato.ac.nz
Abstract Information about Leptospermum
scoparium (Myrtaceae), the most widespread and important New
Zealand indigenous shrub species, is reviewed. L. scoparium is
a variable species, requiring more study of the genetically based
differences between New Zealand populations and the affinity of these
populations to Australian populations and other closely allied
Australian species. Improved understanding of the species’ variation
will assist both its conservation roles and economic uses, and the need
to sustain genetically distinct varieties is emphasised. Ecologically,
the species has a dominant role in infertile and poorly drained
environments, and a wider occurrence as a seral shrub species in
successions to forest where it may be regarded as a woody weed of
pasture or a useful species for erosion control, carbon sesquestration,
and vegetation restoration. The main economic products derived from the
species are ornamental shrubs, essential oils, and honey. The species’
development as an ornamental plant and further definition of the
pharmacologically active components are recommended as priority areas
for research.
Keywords Myrtaceae; Leptospermum scoparium;
manuka; tea tree; New Zealand; taxonomy; chemotaxonomy; ecology;
history; ornamental; essential oils; honey; pharmacology
B04037; Received 16 September 2004; accepted 29 March 2005; Online
publication date 5 May 2005
New Zealand Journal of Botany, 2005, Vol. 43: 431–449
0028–825X/05/4302–0431 © The Royal Society of New Zealand 2005
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