Family: Mycporaceae

There are 32 species in this genus of trees, shrubs and groundcovers, many of which are natives of Australia, though some originate from New Zealand, China and Japan. They are useful as ornamentals and screens and for shade and windbreaks. Of those most cultivated, two are excellent groundcovers.

Species

Not all are available outside their native countries.

M. debile is a prostrate plant, with drooping stems and leaves, and large green, purple or red, edible fruit.

M. insulare, boobialla, is a dense bush or tree, with smooth leaves, white flowers with purple dots and round, purple fruits. This species tolerates coastal exposure.

M. laetum, ngaio, a native of New Zealand, grows to 5 m (16 ft) tall. It produces large, white flowers with purple spots in summer, followed by reddish purple fruits. The young leaves are brownish green.

M. montanum grows to 3 m (10 ft) with white flowers spotted in purple and round, white to purple fruits.

M. parvifolium, creeping boobialla, from southern and western Aust­ralia, is a prostrate species, growing to 15 cm (6 in) high and a spread of 80 cm (32 in). It has dark green, narrow leaves and clusters of white, tubular flowers in summer, followed by round, reddish purple berries.

M. platy­carpum, sugarwood, grows 2-10 m (6-33 ft) high, producing white flowers, followed by white to purple fruits. The hark sometimes exudes a sugary material, accounting for its common name. Its timber is quite fragrant.

Cultivation

Grow Myoporum in an intermediate greenhouse in areas with hard frosts. Outdoors, it does best in full sun with well-drained, yet moisture-retentive soil. Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, with basal warmth.

Climate

Zone 9.