lemon-scent teatree

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• lemon-scent teatree
• Lemon Scented Tea Tree

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Leptospermum citratum
• Leptospermum flavescens var. citratum

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Myrtales and the family Myrtaceae. Finally, it is specifically identified by its genus, Leptospermum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide and diverse geographical distribution spanning across different continents. In the region of East Tropical Africa, it can be specifically found within the borders of Kenya. Its range also extends significantly into the continent of Australia. Within Australia, the species is documented to grow in the state of New South Wales. Additionally, it is distributed throughout the tropical landscapes of Queensland.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Leptospermum petersonii is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth habit, it exhibits dual life form classifications depending on its developmental stage or environmental context, categorized as both a phanerophyte, where its stem is elevated well above the ground, and a nanophanerophyte. Throughout its existence, the plant maintains an evergreen deciduousness, ensuring that its foliage remains functional and present year-round without the need for seasonal shedding.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Leptospermum petersonii is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily existing as a self-supporting shrub. This terrestrial species does not exhibit climbing, epiphytic, or parasitic behaviors, functioning instead as an independent organism within its habitat. In terms of stature, the plant typically reaches a mean height of 4.5 m, though it can attain a maximum height of up to 5 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

5 m

Plant height mean:

4.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Leptospermum petersonii is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its metabolic processes and carbon fixation mechanisms. The plant's vegetative structure features narrow, linear leaves with dimensions ranging from a minimum leaf length of 2 cm to a maximum of 4 cm, while the leaf width is notably slender, measuring between a minimum of 0.2 cm and a maximum of 0.5 cm. Furthermore, this species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the physiological capacity to convert atmospheric nitrogen into organic forms through symbiotic relationships, relying instead on available soil nutrients for its developmental needs.

Leaf length max:

4 cm

Leaf length min:

2 cm

Leaf width max:

0.5 cm

Leaf width min:

0.2 cm

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Leptospermum petersonii is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, relying primarily on insects to facilitate the transfer of pollen between flowers. This reliance on biological vectors ensures the genetic diversity necessary for the species' survival. Following successful pollination, the plant produces seeds that exhibit significant variation in size. The seed mass ranges from a minimum of 0.00007 g to a maximum of 0.00169 g, with a calculated mean seed mass of 0.00076 g. This range in seed weight suggests a diverse reproductive strategy in terms of seed dispersal and resource allocation for offspring development.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed mass max:

0.00169 g

Seed mass mean:

0.00076 g

Seed mass min:

7e-05 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Leptospermum petersonii has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2. Heliyon

Chemicals

Leptospermum petersonii has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 6-Methyltectochrysin, Flavonoids, Proanthocyanidins.

6-Methyltectochrysin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Flavonoids

1. Heliyon

Proanthocyanidins

1. Heliyon

Activities

Leptospermum petersonii has 3 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Free-Radical Scavenging.

Antimicrobial

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Antioxidant

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Free-Radical Scavenging

1. Heliyon

Conditions

Leptospermum petersonii has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Bacillus cereus.

Bacillus cereus

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)