Manuka is the native New Zealand Maori name for the leptospermum scoparium tree.

Leptospermum polygalifolium grows in a variety of coastal habitats along the north coast of New South Wales, and Southern Queensland in Australia.

The leptospermum polygalifolium bush commences flowering in early spring, and usually flowers throughout October.  The bush flowers later than most heaths and tee trees, ensuring that the bees harvest nearly all their honey from this particular species. 

The harvest usually starts around mid-November, when the honey is extracted from the hives. The honey is a jelly like substance, making extraction more difficult, but producing a high quality manuka honey with low moisture content.