The Thriving Aromatherapist
The Thriving Aromatherapist
Ideas Worth Blending
⌘K
Sign In
The Thriving Aromatherapist
Thrive Premium tier-only post Root In

The Plant Behind the Oil: Tea Tree

Whether we are looking at this aromatic tree from the gifts it brings via its essential oil or how it was first used by indigenous people we can see the significant role it has played.
The Plant Behind the Oil: Tea Tree
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Taxonomy

Melaleuca has over 300 varieties. Melaleuca alternifolia is most common and thrives in the northeastern region of New South Wales, Australia. It is a small scrub-like tree that is part of the Myrtaceae family. It can grow to about 20 feet (7 m) with a bushy crown and whitish, papery bark. This is one of many trees that are commonly referred to as paperbark trees due to the appearance of their outer layer.

Melaleuca is a combination of two Greek words: melas ("black") and leukos ("white"), in reference to the contrasting black trunk and young white stems or branches that are characteristic of many species in this genus. The species name alternifolia is derived from Latin and means "having alternate leaves" (i.e., leaves on one side of a stem, joining the stem at nodes between the leaf nodes on the other side).

This post is for subscribers on the Thrive Premium tier only

Subscribe to continue reading


More like this

The Plant Behind the Oil: Yuzu

The Plant Behind the Oil: Yuzu

In Korea, Yuzu (called Yuja) holds a place in folk medicine as a soothing remedy for winter ailments.
The Plant Behind the Oil: Gingergrass

The Plant Behind the Oil: Gingergrass

Traditionally, gingergrass has been used in folk and Ayurvedic medicine for a variety of applications.
The Plant Behind the Oil: Tarragon

The Plant Behind the Oil: Tarragon

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a culinary delight with a mythic name, a protective spirit, and a deeply warming energy.
The Plant Behind the Oil: Fragonia™

The Plant Behind the Oil: Fragonia™

While specific traditional uses of Agonis fragrans by Indigenous Australians are not well-documented, it's worth noting that related species within the Myrtaceae family, such as tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), have been used by Aboriginal communities for their medicinal properties.
The Plant Behind the Oil: Plai

The Plant Behind the Oil: Plai

It is often mistaken for common ginger (Zingiber officinale) but has distinct characteristics, including its bluish-purple rhizome and more intense camphor-like aroma. Some might even call this plant “Ginger’s cooler cousin”.
The Plant Behind the Oil: Oregano

The Plant Behind the Oil: Oregano

Oregano has long been valued for its medicinal benefits. It possesses potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, primarily due to its high content of carvacrol and thymol.