(ˈmɑːnuːkə ) a New Zealand myrtaceous tree, Leptospermum scoparium, with strong elastic wood and aromatic leaves. Also called: red tea tree, kahikatoa. Collins English Dictionary.
Leptospermum scoparium, commonly called mānuka, (Māori pronunciation: [maːnʉka]) mānuka myrtle, New Zealand teatree, broom tea-tree, or just tea tree, is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family Myrtaceae, native to New Zealand (including the Chatham Islands) and south-east Australia.
In New Zealand, it is called Mānuka, in Australia, it is more commonly known as Tea Tree, but the word Manuka (without a macron, which is used to indicate a long vowel) has been in common use in Tasmania for at least 100 years.
Mānuka or kahikātoa (Leptospermum scoparium), called 'tea tree' by Captain Cook, is a rather variable plant ranging from flat creeping forms and small shrubs to tall trees (up to 10 m tall).
scoparium honey. This in turn is a subset of honey derived from L. scoparium and K. ericoides, which is commonly called "Manuka".
Native to Australia, many endemic species of the Manuka plant are found nowhere else in the world. They evolved over millions of years and are very tolerant to drought and fire, which makes them well adapted to the Australian climate.
Manuka honey, favoured for its medicinal qualities, is produced from the nectar of different species of leptospermum plants, which are native to both Australia and New Zealand.
Three different species of Myrtaceae growing in Australia and New Zealand are known as 'Tea-tree': the Australian Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), the New Zealand Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides).
The word “Manuka” itself is Maori in origin, however according to Trevor White of the Australian Honey Bee Council, it has been used in Australia and particularly in Tasmania since the 1800's to refer to the same plant from which the honey is derived. A plant that most likely originated in Australia.
Mānuka refers to a white flowered tree that grows in both New Zealand and Australia – although it is more widely known as “tea tree” in Australia.
The diversity of Australia's Manuka trees is vastly superior to New Zealand. Australia is home to 83 species of Manuka, 12 of which have bioactive, medicinal properties, making them ideal for high-MGO Manuka production. In comparison, New Zealand has only one.
Manuka honey boasts many natural, beneficial properties that make it healthy too. Eating it regularly in small amounts (a spoonful a day) is recommended. If you're using it as an alternative to sugar and natural sweeteners, manuka honey is absolutely the best option.
Loved by honey connoisseurs for its rich molasses flavor, our raw Buckwheat Honey hails from the prairies of Washington State. High in minerals and antioxidants, Buckwheat Honey is an excellent native alternative to Manuka Honey. You can learn more about the specific health benefits of our dark honeys on our blog!
The main medical use for Manuka honey is for wound and burn healing. It is generally used for treating minor wounds and burns. Research shows Manuka honey to be effective in treating other conditions, including: Skin care including eczema and dermatitis.
Other species of this bush grow all over the world, but do not produce the flowers bees need in order to produce manuka honey. The origins of the word "manuka" are Maori, the native language of New Zealand, and certain parties argue that only certified New Zealand manuka honey should actually bear the name.
Māori names
MĀNUKA, KAHIKĀTOA; kātoa, pata, rauwiri, rauiri; taramānuka (some Māori say this mānuka is the female tree. Best 1907). See kanuka. Sugary, resinous exudation: pia-mānuka. Outer bark: kiri amoko (Beever 1991)
Mānuka. A honey of a plant.
Therefore mānuka = mean and kānuka = kind. Both plants are more easily found between October and April, because this is when they flower. It can almost appear as if the bush has a thin coating of snow.
Manuka honey is expensive because it only comes from New Zealand. The high price of Manuka is largely due to its limited supply. Authentic Manuka honey only comes from New Zealand. The word Mānuka is the indigenous Maori word for the Leptospermum Scoparium tree.
Studies have shown that Manuka essential oil possesses a 30 times stronger antioxidant and antimicrobal activity than Tea Tree essential oil.
These effects are thanks to the antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of manuka honey and is why numerous studies demonstrate its benefits for tissue regeneration, superficial partial thickness burns, diabetic ulcers, eyelid wounds and post-surgery.
New Zealand Manuka comes only from the leptosperum scoparium plant, commonly known as the Manuka plant, while Australian manuka can come from any plant in the leptosperum species. Since research studies tend to focus on New Zealand manuka, it isn't appropriate to extend that research to Australian manuka.
Due to quarantine regulations for bees and bee products (in WA), healthylife are unable to ship products to Western Australia.
Manuka honey is most commonly found in New Zealand, though Australia has a few producers of this unique sweetener as well. If you come across honey that's labeled as Manuka but not from New Zealand or Australia, it's probably best to steer clear.