236 LEPTOSPERMUM SCOPARIUM. 
produce their flowers in great profusion, the stamens are occasionally abort 
or, more rarely, the pistil is imperfect. | 
It is peshens termed ‘ tea-tree’’ by the settlers, but must not be confused 
with the ‘ti’”’ or ‘‘toi’’ of the Maoris, which is a handsome palm-lily, Cor ine 
australis, often ee ‘“‘ cabbage-tree’’ by the bushmen. 
A handsome variety with red flowers is not infrequent in the North Cape 
district and other localities, and, contrary to expectation, comes true from seed: 
a plant raised from seed collected near Spirits Bay by Mr. Justice Gillies, in 
April, 1868, is now 26ft. high, with a trunk 2ft. 2in. in circumference. — 
PROPERTIES AND USEs. 
The wood is of a deep- red colour, very straight in the grain, even, compact, 
strong, and elastic, but is inferior to the wood of L. icon while Tae a 
much smaller dimencionek trunks rft. or upwards in diameter are not frequent a 
On account of its deep colour it is occasionally used by the cabinetmaker 
for inlaying: figured specimens are sometimes met with. 
An infusion of the leaves is often used by bushmen as a substitute for tea; 
in all probability it owes its common name “ tea-tree”’ to its having been used 
for this purpose by the early voyagers. 
The fragrant oil which is so plentifully secreted by its leaves may prove to” 
possess medicinal qualities, when its extraction would doubtless prove remunera- 
tive, as the raw material can be obtained for the mere cost of cutting. 
The twigs are used for rustic brooms and in the construction of bush- 
whares, &c., and the long straight stems are valued for hop-poles, &c., 0 on. 
account of their durability. Lohinstorinntn scoparium is a valuable honey-yielding ng 
plant. 
q 
DISTRIBUTION OF THE GENUS. 
See under Leptospermum ericoides, p. 123, ante. 
- 
DistRIBUTION OF THE SPECIES. ° 
Leptospermum scoparium is plentiful in all the districts from the Three Kir ngs. 
Islands and the North Cape to Stewart Island and the Snares. I have t be en. 
assured that it is found on Campbell Island, but hesitate to accept the statement 
in the absence of specimens, as it has not been recorded by Sir Joseph eee ker 
and other botanists who have visited the island. On Mount Anglem, Stewart 
Island, it forms short round-headed trees, oft. to 18ft. high, with stout trunks rft. 
in diameter, at an altitude of from Sante to 1,80oft. It bee not been recor a 
from the Chatham Islands. This species extends to Australia. 
DESCRIPTION, 
Leptospermum SCORE Ne Forst. 
and young ares silky. eseae alternate or scattered, faa vi to ae le 
variable in shape—linear, linear-lanceolate, lanceolate-ovate, or nearly orbiculars 
spreading or recurved, sessile, rigid, pungent, erect or spreading, concave, dotte ed. 
Flowers solitary, sessile, aeilry or terminal. Calyx-tube turbinate, with fr 
deciduous lobes, superior; petals five, broadly rounded ; ovary five- celled; syle 
short, straight. Fruit a woody aeald sirt with the tein eains of the calys-limb j 
the upper portion five-valved. 
EXPLANATION oF Pirate CXVII. | 
Leptospermum scoparium, Forst. Flowering and fruiting specimens, natural 
size. 1. Flower. 2. Transverse section of flower. Both magnified. 
