Active Manuka Honey is unique to New Zealand and is collected by honeybees from Manuka and Kanuka flowers. Manuka (Leptospermum Scoparium) and Kanuka (Kunzea Ericoides) are both tall shrubs, Kanuka reaching 15 m and Manuka 4 m in height. They occur in predominantly low land areas throughout New Zealand, often in the interface between open ground and forest. During summer these plants are covered in bees harvesting honeydew which is turned into 'Manuka' and 'Kanuka' honeys. Many nectar-feeding birds such as White-eyes, Bellbirds and Tui also feed on this honeydew.
Both the Manuka and Kanuka plants have historically been used by Maori and early European settlers for medicinal purposes. These include use of the bark as a poultice, for colds, flu, and stomach aches. Both plants are called "tea tree" because the leaves were used to make tea.
In New Zealand there are approximately 5,000 beekeepers and over 9,000 tonnes of honey are produced every year.
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