Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as tea tree, or Manuka is an NZ native. It interestingly sits at the balance of scale, between being a shrub, or being a small tree. This tree is often noted for its similarity to Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides), key methods of telling the difference between the two plants, is that Kanuka often grows to around 12 meters high, while Manuka grows to around 3m high. Another differences is that the bark of Manuka is often marked with a black sooty looking mould, while the flowers are larger, with a red tinge and grow in a singular for, rather than the flower bunching that it seen on Kanuka trees. It is particularly hard to distinguish the two plants when they are in a juvenile form, the best way at this stage is that the feel of Manuka is much more brittle than that of Kanuka. Manuka is known for this small form, yet distinguishable hardiness, leading to it flourishing throughout all of New Zealand's coastal and alpine regions. The plant works within natural ecosystems, yet it's singular architectural form is notable through vague bonsai-tree values, this said it does not come across as being as cultivated as most bonsai forms.
