My Smallest NZ Tea Tree

Over here (the USA) when some thing has "Tea Tree Oil" in it, it's usually Melaleuca alternifolia? (M. alternifolia on Wikipedia)
I only know that because In my 20's I got roped into that MLM company and lost money!
But I see on Wikipedia that they are related and both have similar properties - (L. scoparium on Wikipedia)

I do like it though... In fact, I love the little flowers and leaves! It seems Made for Bonsai


M. alternifolia seems to make a nice bonsai too. I found these on Google (Hope it's not against forum policy to post them.... if so, sorry)

And I was looking at them both (in preview) and they actually seem to be the same tree... the first one being older though. Ya think?

http://www.cbs.org.au/bonsaiexhib/05%20Melaleuca%20alternifolia%20large.jpg - Too big to post here


http://www.anbg.gov.au/bonsai/bonsai-anbg-2005.html - AU Goverment Website with Native AU plants as Bonsais - This Melaleuca is from there

Paulzie32, the two pictures are of the same tree with different pots and frontage. Yes the tiny leaves and beautiful flowers are perfect for bonsai. However the root sensitivity and extremely demanding care is not easy to handle. Do give it a try.

Cheers and Regards.

CJ

I think I have found the answer to my confusion over the question of whether Azalea Saotome flowers. The short answer is yes but very very rare.
http://www.pbase.com/image/17087089

BTW, for those who are interested to know more about NZ Tea Tree oil, here is a useful page http://www.purangi.co.nz/estate/tea/manuka.html

Cheers,

CJ
http://newzealandteatreebonsai.blogspot.com/

I real love these. i wonder if there are any other var's that are easier to maintain.
It's said that they hate any root disturbance and die within hours of going dry? is there any possibility of grafting this onto a less temperamental root base?

i find it odd that a plant that grows in the dry heat of australia has such little drought tolerence

Seano, there are many Leptospermum species that are much easier to care for, some even tolerate drying out, but, none flower so beautifully as L. scoparium. If you are interested there is a bit of information to be found on Ausbonsai if you use the search function.

CJ, hope you & your trees are safe this fire season, love your blog & posts, have picked up more than a few tricks..   

Seano: As MattA pointed out there r Leptospermum which r less difficult to bonsai than the scoparium. Based on horticultural experiences n practices it should be possible to graft the L scoparium onto more sturdy root stock of other Leptospermum specie. I hope u give it a try n generously share with us your experience. Good luck.

MattA : Thanks 4 your concern. I hope my trees r ok. I am now stopping in Singapore on my way home after attending Kokufu Ten 2014.

CJ