Mānuka (Māori pronunciation: [maːnʉka], Leptospermum scoparium), also known as mānuka myrtle,[1] New Zealand teatree,[1] broom tea-tree,[2] or just tea tree, is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family Myrtaceae, native to New Zealand (including the Chatham Islands) and south-east Australia.

The Latin specific epithet scoparium means 'like broom', referring to Northern Hemisphere genera such as Genista and Cytisus which it superficially resembles,[9] but to which it is only distantly related.

[4] Supporters of this claim cite evidence that the genus Leptospermum arose under conditions where frequent forest fires were common (i.e. in Australia, and not temperate New Zealand), because they possess fire-adaptive traits like serotiny and storage lignotubers.

[11] Australian populations of Leptospermum scoparium are shown to be chemically distinct from their New Zealand counterparts, with significantly higher levels of cinteole and monoterpines.

This is because in its homeland it is subject to attack by scale insects that secrete a honeydew on which grows a sooty mould that eventually debilitates the plant.

Because of this, attempts have been made, with limited commercial success, to cross the showy New Zealand cultivars with mould-resistant Australian Leptospermum species.

[citation needed] It is cultivated in Australia and New Zealand for mānuka honey, produced when honeybees gather the nectar from its flowers, and for the pharmaceutical industry.

A decoction was prepared from the leaves and bark and the warm liquid was rubbed on stiff muscles and aching joints.

The emollient white gum, called pai mānuka, was given to nursing babies and also used to treat scalds and burns.