Family:
Myoporaceae
Myoporum montanum
Water Bush
Other Names: Western Boobialla, Boobialla, Native Daphne, Native Myrtle.
Name Origin:
Myoporum — from Greek myo, to be closed and poros, pore, referring to closed appearance of leaf glands.
montanum — from Latin montanum, of the mountains.
Regional Subspecies:
Occurrence:
Regional:
Noted in the areas Majors Creek-West Hume and Urana-Rand-Corowa.
Australia:
Mainland states and territories.
Habitat:
Sclerophyll forest, mallee and White Cypress Pine communities.
Habit:
Hairless erect bushy shrub or small tree to 8 m high. Finely fissured bark and narrow leaves about 3-14 cm long. Usually scattered plants or in small, relatively dense colonies.
Site Preference:
Well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates severe drought.
Characteristics:
Low flammability. Appears to be very unpalatable to livestock.
Flowering:
White, spotted purple, winter-summer.
Seed Collection:
Early Feb to late Mar. Monitor closely as seeds shed 3-14 days after maturity.
Propagation:
From seed or cuttings of firm young growth. Remove fruit flesh and soak overnight in warm water before sowing. Sow fresh seed late summer to early autumn. Cover with 2-3 mm of seed raising media and 4 mm of fine gravel. Place seed trays in open shaded position.
VALUES:
Shade & Shelter:
Excellent low-level cover for windbreaks.
Wildlife:
Excellent habitat. Flowers are a good pollen and nectar source. Fruits food for native birds.
First Nations:
Gum from stems used as glue, and leaves used medicinally in some areas.
Ornamental:
Attractive ornamental for garden windbreaks, parks, screens or informal hedges. Prune lightly and regularly to promote bushiness.