Manuka or Leptospermum scoparium, is a scrub-type tree which, is native to and grows around coastal areas of New Zealand.
As a shrub, Mānuka will grow up to 5m tall but can also grow into a moderately sized tree of up to 15m. Mānuka was extensively used by the Maori people to make spears, weapons, paddles and it was even used in the construction of dwellings. The Maori people also prized Manuka for its healing properties; the bark was used externally and internally as a sedative and to treat burns. The leaves were boiled and the strained water was used to treat colds.
It wasn’t until the arrival of the European early settlers in New Zealand that honey was harvested from the nectar of the Manuka flower with the introduction of the European Honey Bee.
In 1981 Professor Peter Molan began to research the antiseptic properties of Manuka Honey, and he discovered that Manuka Honey has unique antibacterial properties not found in other honeys.