Tea tree essential oil

Tea tree oil is extracted by steam distillation of the tree’s leaves. There are several species and biotypes in which this tree grows, with the Australian native being the most highly prized.
The botanical name is Melaleuca alternifolia, but other species in New Zealand are also called tea tree: manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and kanuka (Kunzea ericoides). This essential oil is also grown and produced in China, with properties similar to the Australian oil but a somewhat sweeter scent. Nor should we forget nerolina, also known as broad-leaved tea tree oil, with properties similar to regular tea tree oil.

Finally, there is another Australian variety called lemon-scented tea tree (Leptospermum petersonii). Leptospermum petersonii is an aromatic tree with white flowers, used mainly as an ornamental plant. Lemon-scented tea tree leaves are also used as an ingredient in tea blends alongside black tea (Camellia sinensis).