Either of two closely related Australian shrubs of the family Myrtaceae, the broad-leaved tea-tree, Callistemon salignus, and (especially in later use) Melaleuca bracteata.
Origin
Late 19th century.
Definition of river tea-tree in US English:
river tea-tree
noun
rare
Either of two closely related Australian shrubs of the family Myrtaceae, the broad-leaved tea-tree, Callistemon salignus, and (especially in later use) Melaleuca bracteata.