tea tree

American  

noun

1. a tall shrub or small tree, Leptospermum scoparium, of the myrtle family, native to New Zealand and Australia, having silky foliage when young, and bell-shaped, white flowers: often planted to prevent beach erosion.

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tea tree British  

noun

1. any of various myrtaceous trees of the genus Leptospermum, of Australia and New Zealand, that yield an oil used as an antiseptic

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Etymology

Origin of tea tree

First recorded in 1750–60; so called from the use of its leaves as an infusion

Example Sentences

Zagorski also says that some plant-derived products are also known endocrine disruptors, lavender oil and tea tree oil being notable examples.

From National Geographic • Sep. 6, 2023

Make sure the product doesn’t contain baking soda, tea tree oil or peppermint — which can cause irritation and unpleasant tingling.

From Washington Post • Nov. 28, 2022

This scrub from Folk Magick Botanicals has a gentle but soothing scent that mixes pine, tea tree and sandalwood and feels both luxurious and comforting.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 2, 2022

They are made from Birchwood trees treated with tea tree oil and menthol, and mint is his preferred version.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 2, 2021

The blue gum, she-oak, and cherry tree of Port Jackson were common here, and also one with the leaves of the gum tree, but with the soft bark of the tea tree.

From An Account of the English Colony in New South Wales, Volume 2 by Collins, David