Manuka

Manuka
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Myrtales Family: Myrtaceae Genus: Leptospermum Species: scoparium

The Manuka is a tree native to New Zealand. Manuka are found throughout New Zealand but is particularly common on the drier east coasts of the North Island and the South Island.

Manuka is a prolific scrub type tree and is often one of the first native species to regenerate on cleared land. It can grow into a moderately sized tree, up to fifteen metres or so in height.

Manuka wood is tough and hard, and was often used for tool handles. Manuka sawdust imparts a delicious flavour when used in smoking meats and fish. Manuka honey, produced when honeybees draw upon nectar from its flowers, is distinctively flavoured, darker and richer in taste than clover honey, and is widely available in New Zealand.