Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as mānuka or tea tree, is a hardy, evergreen shrub or small tree native to New Zealand and parts of Australia. It typically grows to 2 to 5 meters in height and 1.5 to 3 meters in width. Mānuka thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils, but is highly adaptable to poor, dry, or coastal conditions. It is drought-tolerant once established and can also handle light frosts. From spring to early summer, mānuka bursts into a spectacular display of small white or pink flowers, which are highly attractive to pollinators like bees — especially for the production of mānuka honey. Its fine, needle-like foliage adds year-round texture to native gardens, revegetation projects, or informal hedging.