Paperbark Tea Tree

Leptospermum trinervium

“A tall shrub usually to 3m, with a stout trunk and papery flaky bark” – NPOS p.55

Jess and I took a trip down the back to inspect the sewer on the weekend, all looking good, there is no smell now. This Tea Tree was growing on the large flat sandstone outcrop near to the Broadleaf Grass tree. With it’s distinctive flowers and scented leaves I’m certain it’s a tea tree but I’m not so sure about the species. My guess is it’s a Paperbark Tea Tree, it’s flowers, leaves and habitat are consistent. The scientific name “trinervium” is in reference to the 3 prominent veins in each leaf, you can see them in the photo. At the time I took the picture I didn’t take note of it’s distinguishing feature though, it’s bark, I’ll have to go back to check it out.

Distinctive flowers of a tea tree.

Paperbark tea tree

Close up of the leaves of the Paperbark tea tree, the 3 veins in the leaves are visible

more info:

• Atlas of living Australia
• Friends of Land Cove National Park

• Leptospermum Trinervium
• Leptospermum. Paperbark Tea Tree
• Native
• Tea Tree