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''Leptospermum'' 〔''Sunset Western Garden Book,'' 1995:606–607〕 is a genus of shrubs and small trees in the myrtle family Myrtaceae described as a genus in 1775.〔Forster, Johann Reinhold & Forster, Johann Georg Adam. 1775. Characteres Generum Plantarum 71–72, pl. 36〕〔(Tropicos, ''Leptospermum'' J.R. Forst. & G. Forst. )〕 Most species are endemic to Australia, with the greatest diversity in the south of the continent; but one species extends to New Zealand, another well into Southeast Asia, and ''L. recurvum'' is found only in Malaysia and Indonesia.〔(Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families )〕 They are shrubs or occasionally small trees, reaching tall, rarely up to , with dense branching. The leaves are evergreen, alternate, simple, sharp-tipped, and small, in most species not over 1 cm long. The flowers are up to 3 cm diameter, with five white, pink or red petals. ==Uses== The common name ''tea tree'' for the ''Leptospermum'' species derives from the practice of early Australian settlers who soaked the leaves of several species in boiling water to make an herbal tea rich in ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). It is said that Captain Cook brewed tea of ''Leptospermum'' leaves to prevent scurvy among his crews. The nectar from the flowers is harvested by bees; this is used to make Leptospermum honey. Honey produced from Australian ''Leptospermum polygalifolium'', also known as jelly bush or the lemon-scented tea tree, has been found to contain up to 1750 mg/kg of 'methylglyoxal' (MGO), an antibacterial compound. 〔(Native honey a sweet antibacterial ), ''Australian Geographic'', March 3, 2011.〕 However, after neutralization of this compound, the "manuka" honey retains bactericidal activity. Methylglyoxal thus does not appear to be the main contributor to the antimicrobial and antibacterial activities. In Australia, ''Leptospermum'' species are sometimes used as food plants by the larvae of hepialid moths of the genus ''Aenetus'', including ''A. lewinii'' and ''A. ligniveren''. These burrow horizontally into the trunk then vertically down. Most ''Leptospermum'' species make desirable garden plants. The hardiest species (''L. lanigerum, L. liversidgei, L. polygalifolium, L. rupestre, L. scoparium'') are hardy to about to ; others are sensitive to frost. They tolerate most soils (but many supplies specify ericaceous (i.e. lime-free) compost) and exposures with good drainage and full sun. Established plants are drought tolerant. They are often found as hedge plants on the west coast of the United States, and some species are popular for cultivation as bonsai. Many cultivars exist. ;General Use These flowers are also grown in double cultivars and are used in floral designs. However, they do not last when out of water and the single flowers do not last when wired. The 'Pacific Beauty' (''Leptospermum poolgalifolium'') is a useful flower to use in large church-service bowls and function arrangements, however use of ''Leptospermum'' in corporate designs is less desirable as they dry and drop when subjected to heating and air conditioning. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Leptospermum」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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