Scientific Name: Leptospermum riparium Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region

Common Name: river teatree

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Myrtaceae

Form Description: Upright, dense well-formed shrub.

Height (m): 3 – 4

Flowers: Prolific, large, white with 5 round petals. At the base of the petals is a ring of short stamens.

Fruit: Woody capsule – rounded, often have five prominent lobes on top. Each capsule contains many viable seed.

Municipality
BurnieCentral CoastCentral HighlandsDerwent ValleyHuon ValleyKing IslandNorthern MidlandsWaratah-WynyardWest Coast
Plant Communities
RainforestRiparian
Habitat Notes

Only known from a few rivers near the west coast (including the Arthur River) and the Huon River in the south-east. Restricted to river edges in areas of rainforest.

Site Tolerance

Exposed, Moist, Shady

Soil Tolerance

Fertile, Loam, Poorly-drained, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

Despite its natural habitat being riparian, in the garden it copes well with dry conditions. Withstands winter wet, summer dry, low lying position or occasional inundation. Could be used as a hedge and highly recommended for general garden use. Bird attracting. Resistant to wildlife browsing due to its unpalatability.

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed, Cuttings

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Easily propagated from seed. Store in paper bags until seed is released. Separate seed by sieving.

Seed Treatment Method

Bog Method The seeds of many wetland species need to be kept wet to germinate. Punch a hole in the side of a recycled polyfoam box so that it holds water to the required depth. Sit the tubes in the box to germinate. Once germinated, punch holes in the bottom of the box to allow drainage.

Seed Storage Life

Long

Seed Treatment Notes

Do not sow too thickly and cover lightly. Capillary watering may be useful due to the fine seed.

Germination Time

14-30 days

Cutting & Division Information

Has been found easy to strike using rooting hormone. Root development rapid. Grow selected forms from cuttings.