Ultra International B.V.
Product: Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree in mid-season
Fully growth Australian YTea Tree
Australian tea tree plant
Tea Tree harvesting in Australia
Tea Tree Oil Australia Melaleuca alternifolia
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Description
Obtained by steam distillation from foliage and terminal branchlets of Melaleuca alternifolia.
Tea tree grows in both New South Wales and Northern Queensland, almost entirely in modern day plantations. Some wild harvesting still occurs but this only contributes a small amount of the 650+ MT that Australia produces annually.
The industry is well regulated and as the original producer of tea tree, Australia standards are highly regarded as the best quality. The harvest period starts in May and lasts until November.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 however the tree itself could live over 25 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: Australia
- Crop Season: May - November
- Plant/part used: Foliage / Terminal Branchlets
- Method of extraction: Steam-Distillation
- TSCA CAS: 68647-73-41
- EINECS CAS: 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
Australia is the world’s leading producer of tea tree oil, derived from Melaleuca alternifolia, with plantations concentrated in New South Wales and Queensland. The industry has a farm-gate value of around AUD 28–40 million and is highly export-oriented, with about 90% of production shipped overseas, particularly to Europe and North America. Production is supported by favourable climatic conditions and ongoing research programs aimed at improving yield, quality, and sustainability. The market for Australian tea tree oil is driven by growing global demand for natural and organic products, especially in skincare, pharmaceuticals, and aromatherapy. Rising consumer preference for plant-based and chemical-free ingredients has expanded its application across cosmetics and therapeutic products. However, production remains vulnerable to environmental factors such as droughts, floods, and climate variability, which can disrupt supply and affect pricing stability.
The industry faces several key challenges. Regulatory uncertainty is significant, particularly a proposed European Union classification that could restrict or ban imports, threatening a major export market. Additionally, issues such as product adulteration, strict quality standards, and competition from lower-cost producers in other countries create pressure on Australian suppliers. Ensuring sustainable cultivation and maintaining product authenticity are critical for long-term growth. Overall, while demand remains strong, the sector must navigate environmental, regulatory, and competitive risks
Market prices : USD 25.00 /kilo -
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