Most commonly found throughout New Zealand is the native Leptospermum scoparium, or Manuka, also known as the New Zealand tea tree—known for its barks that were used for tea by early settlers. It looks like a small shrub with pointy leaves. Small flowers in white, sometimes pink, grow on the Manuka that blooms in good seasons like summer and spring. The Manuka is also able to grow in dry and wet places. In fact, when the Manuka tree fully develops, it is able to withstand long droughts and frost.
Aside from being a part of nature’s picturesque design, the Manuka is useful for so many other things. Its usefulness varies in range and purpose. These include:
Native Plant Nurseries for regenerating New Zealand native bush.
Manuka plants are special because they are resilient and can grow in extreme weathers/climates. They can grow in harsh soils like and steep wild country. Their presence prevents soil erosion and allows for the growth of many other plants that they protect under their shade.
Since they are plants that are not usually eaten by animals, they are preferred for ecological restoration.
Planting and maintaining native plants or bushes such as the manuka on a farmland actually helps increase land value. They add landscape to the environment, protect other growing plants, provide food and shelter to wildlife creatures, and allow the native bushes to thrive. The trees are a source of honey and pollen for the insects.
Manuka Honey – Healthy & Yummy
Goes great on vogel’s toast
Honey is often used to heal various numbers of illnesses. The honey that the Manuka produces can also be resourced for the same purposes—it can heal and treat cuts, burns and even pimples when applied on the skin. When taken orally, it can help ease sore throats. These are said to happen because of the Manuka honey’s antibacterial properties like methylglyoxal. When the concentration of this component is high, the healing effect of the honey is more active.
Caution must be observed when buying Manuka honey. UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) helps make sure that consumer rights are observed by assessing and providing high quality honey. Make sure to check the UMF on the bottle as well the place of origin (must be from New Zealand exclusively).
Manuka Oil
Manuka oil also produces a therapeutic scent. That is why it is often used in aromatherapy. Studies have shown that the oil is good for relieving stress and other psychological strains that affect the physiological functions of a person.
Often times the oil is used to help body and foot odor. A few drops of the Manuka oil are added to the body wash for the effect. For other practical uses, the oil has also been sold as perfume.
The Manuka oil extends its beneficial use to household purposes. For one, the oil can be used as a disinfectant. Ants and other insects don’t like the smell the oil produces and stay away from it. Apart from killing the germs, it prevents the spreading of airborne viruses that causes colds.
The oil can also prevent molding in certain fabrics when used in laundry.
Manuka Wood
Even the Manuka wood is useful. Its wood is often recycled as handle on tools like hammers and axes. It can also be used for firewood.
The Manuka’s sawdust can also be used in adding flavor in grilling fish and meat. It also goes great for fresh smoking kahawai.
Overall, the native manuka plant supplies a lot of benefits for the environment and humanity. They are providers of many needs and we must play our parts in protecting them. Use native seeds like manuka to decorate your landscapes, reap its benefits and help the environment.