Myoporum boninense
boobialla
Coastal eastern Australia and western Pacific
Overview
Myoporum boninense is an evergreen coastal shrub growing 2-8 feet (0.6-2.5 m) tall and 3-8 feet (0.9-2.5 m) wide, ranging from a low, spreading form on exposed dunes to a rounded bush in sheltered sites. The leaves are fleshy, narrow to spoon-shaped, 1.2-3 inches (3-7.5 cm) long, bright green, and often toothed near the tip, with a slightly succulent feel. From spring through summer it bears small white star-shaped flowers about 0.4 inch (1 cm) across, spotted with purple in the throat and clustered in the leaf axils. These are followed by rounded drupes 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) wide that ripen purple and are eaten by birds. Myoporum boninense grows on coastal dunes, headlands, and cliff tops along the eastern Australian coast and on islands of the western Pacific, tolerating salt spray, sandy soils, and wind. It is fast-growing but relatively short-lived and is damaged by hard frost and heavy shade. In gardens it is used as a coastal hedge, dune stabiliser, and low screen, and its dense growth binds loose sand.
Native Range
Myoporum boninense is native to the coast of eastern Australia, from New South Wales into Queensland, and extends to islands of the western Pacific including the Bonin Islands. It grows on dunes, headlands, and cliff tops in sandy, salt-exposed soils.Suggested Uses
M. boninense is used as a coastal hedge, windbreak, dune stabiliser, and low screen in seaside gardens. Its dense, salt-tolerant growth binds loose sand and shelters small wildlife. Frost sensitivity and a short life span limit its use inland and in cold districts.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 8'
Width/Spread3' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Small white, purple-spotted flowers open mainly from spring through summer, with scattered flowering at other times in mild coastal climates. The flowers cluster in the leaf axils and draw bees and other insects. Purple drupes follow and ripen over several weeks, attracting birds.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White with purple spotsFoliage Description
Bright greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Grow M. boninense in full sun on free-draining sandy or gravelly soil; it withstands salt spray, wind, and poor coastal ground. The shrub tolerates short dry spells once established but is damaged by waterlogging, heavy shade, and hard frost, suiting USDA zones 9-11. Water through the first summer to settle the roots, then rely largely on rainfall in coastal climates. Light trimming keeps it dense and shapely. All parts may cause mild stomach upset if eaten, as some Myoporum species contain liver-affecting compounds.Pruning
M. boninense responds well to pruning and tolerates regular trimming into a hedge or low screen. Cut back lightly after the main flowering flush to keep growth dense, leaving bare old wood uncut, as it reshoots slowly. Hard renewal pruning is risky on aged plants.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons