What is leptosporum?

Leptosporum is a genus of flowering plants in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. There are around 80 species of leptospermum, most of which are native to Australia, with some species found in other parts of the world including New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. They are typically small to medium-sized shrubs or trees with distinctive papery bark and small, aromatic leaves.

Leptospermum flowers are usually white, pink, or red, and have five petals. They are often used for honey production, as the nectar from the flowers is highly attractive to bees. The essential oil extracted from leptospermum species is also commonly used in cosmetic and medicinal products.

Leptospermum are popular ornamental plants in Australia and other countries due to their attractive flowers and easy care requirements. They are tolerant of a range of soil types including sandy, clay and loam, and prefer well-draining soil. They also require full sun to partial shade and can tolerate drought conditions. Some species of leptospermum are susceptible to a fungal plant disease called Myrtle rust.