Australian tea tree (Leptospermum laevigatum) is named for the potable made from its leaves. It exhibits zig-zagging limbs and is densely covered this time of year with white flowers.

"In Australia, we have species ranging from no DHA in their nectar, like Leptospermum laevigatum or coastal tea tree, to very high levels of 20-30 parts per million in Leptospermum polygalifolium ...

There are more than 80 species in Australia, and many cultivars. ... However, I find that the lemon-scented tea-tree (leptospermum petersonii) is quite happy in my red soil.

Native: Art and Design with Australian Plants by Kate Herd and Jela Ivankovic-Waters is published by Thames and Hudson at $45. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later.

If times were hard or Chinese tea unobtainable, the leaves of the Australian tea tree –Leptospermum species – and the sweet tea vine – Smilax glycophylla – were used as tea substitutes.