Gossia spp.

malletwood

Attracts Pollinators Fragrant (light)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

HardinessZones 10–11

Overview

Gossia spp. is a genus of about 50 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae), native to rainforests of eastern Australia, New Guinea, New Caledonia, and nearby islands. Plants range from low shrubs around 3 ft (0.9 m) tall to trees reaching 50 ft (15 m), most often forming dense, leafy shrubs 6–20 ft (1.8–6 m) high. The opposite leaves are 0.4–3 in (1–8 cm) long, oval, glossy, and dotted with aromatic oil glands; new growth often flushes pink, red, or bronze before turning green. Small white flowers about 0.3–0.5 in (8–12 mm) across appear singly or in small clusters, each with five rounded petals and a central tuft of many stamens typical of the family. They are followed by rounded fleshy berries 0.2–0.5 in (5–12 mm) wide that ripen through red and purple to black and are eaten by birds. The genus once formed part of Austromyrtus spp.. Several species are highly susceptible to myrtle rust, a fungal disease that has caused serious decline in some wild populations.

Native Range

Native to the rainforests and moist forests of eastern Australia, New Guinea, New Caledonia, and surrounding Pacific islands, from coastal lowlands to mountain forest. Many species have narrow natural ranges.

Suggested Uses

Grown as rainforest-garden shrubs, informal screens, and clipped hedges in frost-free and subtropical gardens, and in containers in cooler areas. The colourful new growth and bird-attracting berries add seasonal interest. Lower species work as foliage groundcover in shaded beds.

How to Identify

Recognised by opposite, oval, oil-dotted leaves that release a scent when crushed, and by colourful pink to bronze new growth. Small white five-petalled flowers with many stamens are followed by fleshy berries ripening to purple-black, marking it as a myrtle-family rainforest shrub.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 20'

Width/Spread5' - 12'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

red

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs mainly in spring and summer, around September to February in the native range, with small white flowers borne along the stems. Flowering is often followed within a few months by colourful ripening berries. In cultivation, scattered flowers can appear over a longer season in warm conditions.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Glossy green, new growth pink to bronze

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in part shade to full sun in moist, free-draining soils rich in organic matter, reflecting their rainforest origins. Steady moisture suits them, especially while young, though established plants tolerate short dry spells. Most species are frost-tender to marginally hardy and grow in warm, sheltered, humid positions. They respond to mulching and light feeding during the growing season. Susceptibility to myrtle rust is a serious limitation, and affected new growth can be disfigured or killed. Growth is generally slow to moderate.

Pruning

Plants tolerate regular trimming and respond well to clipping, which suits the denser species to hedging and screening. Pruning after flowering shapes the plant and encourages colourful new growth. Removal of rust-affected shoots limits the spread of myrtle rust.

Pruning Schedule

late springsummer