Family: Myrtaceae
Leptospermum rotundifolium (round leaf tea-tree, round-leaved tea tree) is an evergreen shrub endemic to New South Wales. It can be grown as an ornamental hedge and a screening plant and is sometimes planted for erosion control. It is reported to be naturalized in Victoria and Western Australia but is not documented to be naturalized on any Hawaiian Islands to date. Other species in this genus are invasive and naturalized in Hawaiʻi. Leptospermum laevigatum, Leptospermum morrisonii, Leptospermum petersonii, and Leptospermum scoparium are naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands. It reproduces by wind spread, woody, persistent seeds. It may retain and store seeds up in the canopy for long periods of time. Gaps in biological and ecological information may reduce accuracy of risk prediction, putting this plant in the evaluate category.
High Risk Traits:
- Naturalized in Victoria, and Western Australia, outside natural range
- Other species are invasive
- Tolerates many soil types
- Reproduces by seeds
- Seeds in persistent woody capsules; likely dispersed by wind, and intentionally cultivated by people
- Persistent capsules may result in a persistent “canopy seed bank”
- Gaps in biological and ecological information may reduce accuracy of risk prediction
Low Risk Traits:
- No negative impacts currently documented from naturalized populations
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Non-toxic
- Seeds may be retained on plants for extended periods, limiting dispersal unless exposed to fire or drought
