Leptospermum scoparium 'Red Damask'

Leptospermum scoparium J.R.Forst & G.Forst Myrtaceae. New Zealand tea tree, manuka, manuka myrtle. 'Red Damask' is a cultivar with the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Distribution: New Zealand and southeast Australia. A red-flowered form. Important in New Zealand as the source for manuka honey. The leaves were reputed to have been used to make a tea by Captain James Cook (1728-1729) on his voyages to Australia and New Zealand. Johan and George Forst, father and son, were the scientists on Cook's second voyage (1772-1775). It produces an essential oil. Photographed in the Medicinal Garden of the Royal College of Physicians, London.