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General description

Latin name: melaleuca alternifolia
Botanic family: myrtacea
Origin: Australia

Given the name of ‘tea tree’ by Captain Cook.

The tea tree, a native of Australia, is medium-sized and does not grow beyond 6 metres in height. It is covered in bright green foliage throughout the year, and has narrow spearhead-shaped leaves arranged alternately. Its elongated inflorescence is white and forms a spike. Just like the eucalyptus, it prefers marshy soils and is easily recognized by its distinctive fragrance.
Its denomination of ‘tea tree’ goes back to the expeditions of Captain Cook (1770). The English sailors gathered its leaves and used them, either fresh or dried, as an infusion to replace their favourite beverage.

Indispensable for all travellers pharmacies

Long-used by the Aborigines for its numerous therapeutic properties, the tea tree has only recently become known in Europe. Research has shown that it is a powerful anti-infectious and anti-viral agent. This plant also acts on the immune system, and reinforces it. Its essential oil is irreplaceable. It deserves to be included in all travellers pharmacies, whether for bucco-dental hygiene, local disinfection, skin care or for oral administration.