Tea tree

Tea tree is a shrub or small tree 2–6 m tall (sometimes to 8 m) with slender stems branched near the base. The bark is thin and peels in papery layers — typical of the genus Melaleuca. The leaves are alternate, very narrow and long (linear, 5–35 mm long and about 1 mm wide), rough to the touch and dotted with oil glands; crushed, they release a strong, distinctive aroma. The small cream-white flowers are borne in dense, brush-like spikes at the ends of the branches; the fruit is a small woody capsule, arranged along the branches and persistent.

Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/08/2026

Tea tree is a narrow endemic of eastern Australia, occurring naturally mainly in swamps and along streams in New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland, on seasonally flooded ground. It favours moist, acidic, nutrient-poor soils and tolerates flooding. Today the commercial oil supply comes chiefly from plantations in Australia, China, India and elsewhere, reducing pressure on wild populations.

Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/08/2026

Tea tree leaves contain 1–2% essential oil by fresh-leaf weight. Commercial tea tree oil meeting standard ISO 4730 must contain at least 30% terpinen-4-ol and no more than 15% 1,8-cineole. Besides terpinen-4-ol — the main antibacterial compound — the oil contains γ-terpinene, α-terpinene, α-terpineol, terpinolene, limonene and sesquiterpenes (aromadendrene, viridiflorol). The proportions depend on cultivar, growing region and harvest season.

Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/08/2026

Tea tree oil is widely used as an antiseptic and antifungal: for skin care and acne, for hair and scalp care (dandruff), for surface disinfection and natural cleaning, diluted as a mouthwash, against skin and nail fungi, and in insect-repellent preparations. In vitro studies show that terpinen-4-ol is active against many bacteria and fungi, including some antibiotic-resistant strains, and the oil also has mild anti-inflammatory effects. Tea tree oil is a common ingredient in cosmetics, cosmeceuticals and household care products.

Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/08/2026

Melaleuca alternifolia is listed as Least Concern (LC) by IUCN; the oil comes mainly from plantations, so pressure on wild plants is low, although native swamp habitat has shrunk. As for safety, tea tree oil must not be swallowed, must be diluted before applying to the skin, and must be kept away from the eyes and mucous membranes; it can irritate the skin and cause allergy in some people (test on a small area first). Do not use it on young children or in pregnancy without medical advice; keep it out of reach of children.

Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/08/2026