Family: Myrtaceae
Leptospermum nitidum (shining tea tree, shiny tea-tree) is a compact shrub endemic to Tasmania. It is commonly used for screening, hedging and shelter. It can be used as a cut flower and is known for its fragrance.There have been no reports of invasiveness or naturalization. However, other species are invasive, and it is moderately flammable, resprouting after fire. It also has persistent capsules that spread by wind. These qualities place it in the evaluate category.
High Risk Traits:
- Other species are invasive
- Unpalatable
- Moderately flammable (could increase fire risk)
- Shade tolerant
- Tolerates many soil types
- Reproduces by seeds
- Hybridizes with other species
- Seeds in persistent woody capsules; likely dispersed by wind, and intentionally cultivated by people
- Persistent capsules may result in a persistent “canopy seed bank”
- Resprouts after fire
Low Risk Traits:
- A temperate species unlikely to be a threat in warmer, lower elevation regions of tropical island ecosystems
- No reports of invasiveness or naturalization
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Non-toxic
- Not reported to spread vegetatively