Gossia, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
malletwood
Overview
Gossia 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. 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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 20'
Width/Spread5' - 12'
Bloom Information
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 bronzeGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
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
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons
