Leptospermum wooroonooran F.M.Bailey

Bailey, F.M. (1889) Botany of the Bellenden-Ker Expedition (in Meston: Report of the Government Scientific Expedition of Bellenden-Ker Range) : 40. Type: South Peak, Bellenden-Ker, and so far as at present known only found there.

Wurunuru Ti-Tree; Teatree; Mountain Teatree

Often a poorly formed, almost prostrate tree. Living bark layer very thin. Dead bark layered and rather stringy.

Leaf blades small, about 12-22 x 2-6 mm, petioles very short, if present. Leaves slightly aromatic when crushed. Terminal buds clothed in pale, prostrate, hairs.

Petals about 4 mm long. A conspicuous, comparatively large, green gland present on the back of each anther close to the point of attachment of the filament. Surface of the ovary concave at the apex.

Capsules usually 5-celled, conspicuously domed at the apex. Seeds about 2-2.5 x 0.3-0.5 mm.

Cotyledons obovate, about +/- 2 mm long. At the tenth leaf stage: leaf blade obovate, +/- sessile, glabrous on the upper surface; oil dots very small, visible only with a lens. Seed germination time 31 to 34 days.

Endemic to NEQ, known only from the mountains north west of Mossman, the Mt Spurgeon-Mt Lewis area and the Bellenden Ker Range. Altitudinal range from 1100-1550 m. Grows in windswept vegetation on high exposed ridges in areas otherwise clothed in mountain rain forest.

A very long lived tree in nature. It is sometimes cultivated for its small white flowers but needs cool and moist conditions to do well.

This plant was used in colonial medicine, leaves ad young shoots of all species reputed useful for urinary complaints. Cribb (1981).