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.