The evergreen and useful Australian tea tree, with its narrow, long leaves and numerous small white flowers, is well-suited for container planting. In their search for non-toxic remedies with antiseptic properties, Australian researchers first extracted tea tree essential oil, obtained through steam distillation of the leaves and branch tips. During World War II, it was part of the basic medical kit for English and Australian soldiers and was used as a topical antiseptic, though it was later superseded by penicillin. With natural products regaining public attention, it is now experiencing a resurgence in popularity and has become a staple in most home medicine cabinets. The name "tea tree" is attributed to Captain Cook and his expedition to Australia around 1770, during which he used tea tree leaves to prepare a refreshing and aromatic tea.
native to New South Wales and Queensland, where it grows along rivers and in marshes.
