Ultra International B.V.
Product: Tea Tree Oil
Young tea tree plantations
Tea Tree Oil South Africa Melaleuca alternifolia
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Description
Obtained by steam distillation from foliage and terminal branchlets of Melaleuca alternifolia.
Tea tree grows naturally in South Africa but to date there are little in the way of commercial plantations. Much of the countries output is wild harvested and can be certified as organic. Some young plantations have started but output is relatively small on a global scale.
From seed to harvest usually takes around 12-15 months and trees will grow to around 2 metres high. The tree is then cut from just above the ground and the leaves are steam distilled in a process that takes around 1.5-2.0 hours per batch of around 250 kilos. Tea tree will regenerate quickly and over the next 2-3 years will yield higher levels of oil each year and establish a stronger root network ensuring it becomes more resilient to adverse weather conditions. Some more mature trees can yield higher levels of 1,8-cineole, which is undesirable so re-planting can occur every 6-7 years.
Read more about this amazing essential oil by clicking on our Elementary Essential Oil link in the sidebar
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Product Details
- Botanical name: Melaleuca alternifolia
- Origin: South Africa
- Crop Season: October - January
- Plant/part used: Foliage/ Terminal Branchlets
- Method of extraction: Steam-Distillation
- TSCA CAS: 68647-73-41 / 85085-48-92
- EINECS: 285-377-1
- INCI Name: Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) leaf Oil
- Appearance: Clear colorless to pale yellow mobile liquid
- Organoleptic Properties: Powerful, Fresh, Warm, Spicy-earthy odour
- Density: 0.885 – 0.906
- Refractive index: 1.475 – 1.482
- Optical rotation: +5° to +15°
- Chemical constituents: 1,8-cineole, Terpinen-4-ol, Y-terpinene, Limonene, α-terpinene, α-terpineol
- Uses:: Perfumery, Aromatherapy.
- Fragrance usage:: max. 1% in finished product
- Allergens:: Contains fragrance allergens
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Latest Market Information May 4, 2026
As of spring 2026, the market remains stable with continuous production and no major publicly reported disruptions in crop or distillation activity. While South Africa does not yet operate at the scale of Australia, its role in diversifying global supply chains has become more significant, particularly in response to growing demand for traceable and ethically sourced materials. Demand continues to be driven by personal care, antimicrobial, and hygiene-related applications, supporting a stable market environment. Overall, the market tone remains steady, with a slight upward bias supported by increasing global consumption and preference for certified origins.
Market prices : USD 20.00 /kilo -
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