What does a Tea Tree Look Like?
Tea Trees, also known as Melaleuca alternifolia, are evergreen shrubs native to the southeastern tip of Australia. They have a lot of unique features that make them easily recognizable when you come across one. Here are some of the most common characteristics of a Tea Tree:
Leaves & Flowers
- Leaves: Tea Trees have small, pointed, leathery leaves that are approximately 1–3 cm long and a deep green color.
- Flowers: Tea Trees typically have feathery white or cream-colored flowers that grow in small clusters on branch tips.
Fruits & Bark
- Fruits: The tea Tree produces dark-colored fruits that are about the size of a pea and contain one or two seeds each.
- Bark: The bark of a Tea tree is alternately arranged and blocky.
Size & Growth
Perhaps the most visible feature of a Tea Tree is its size and growth habit. They typically grow to about 25 feet in height and have a spread of about 15 feet. They can also be slow-growing and can take up to 10 years to reach the desired height and width.
Appearance & Aroma
Tea Trees are very aromatic with a strong, distinct scent. This is due to a compound in their leaves called terpenoids. The scent can vary depending on the species and location, but they are usually described as being herbal, sweet-smelling, or camphor-like.
All in all, Tea Trees are visually distinct evergreen shrubs with small, pointed leaves and small, feathery, white or cream-colored flowers. They have a yellow-gray, blocky bark and are slow-growing, often reaching up to 25 feet in height and 15 feet in width. They have a strong, herbal scent due to the presence of terpenoid compounds in their leaves.
