Family: Myrtaceae
Scientific name: Melaleuca alternifolia
Common name: Tea Tree
Origin: Australia

The tea tree has nothing to do with the tea from china, but is mostly known for its tea tree oil. This oil from the leaves was already used by aboriginals as a medicine to cure fevers, and nowadays it is used as a skin oil with an antibacterial function. The tea tree grows originally in the humid swampy forests in southeastern Australia, where it can reach a height of maximum 7 meters. In temperate climates the species can be grown as a container plant at a minimum temperature of 5 degC. Regularly water the plant.

Sowing description: Sow the seeds superficially in humid sowing mix. Make sure there is always a layer of water under the pot to keep the soil moist, and cover them with plastic foil or glass. Let the seeds germinate at a warm and bright stand.

Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: 5 degrees Celsius