Myoporum montanum
waterbush
Overview
Myoporum montanum is an evergreen shrub to small tree found across much of mainland Australia, growing 6.5–20 feet (2–6 m) tall with an open, rounded crown. The branches carry bright green, lance-shaped leaves 1.5–4 inches (4–10 cm) long that are slightly fleshy and smooth, with small teeth toward the tip. Small white flowers about 0.3–0.4 inch (8–10 mm) across, spotted with purple inside, appear in clusters where the leaves meet the stem. These are followed by rounded, fleshy fruits 0.2–0.4 inch (5–10 mm) across that ripen from white to purple. Myoporum montanum grows in a wide range of habitats, from inland plains and watercourses to coastal scrub, on clay, loam, and sandy soils. It is drought-hardy once established and tolerates heat and periodic dry conditions. The foliage contains furanoid sesquiterpenes that can poison sheep and cattle if eaten in quantity. The species suckers and resprouts readily, and is used in revegetation and as a fast-growing screen. It withstands light frost but is damaged by hard freezes.
Native Range
Native to much of mainland Australia, occurring across all mainland states in inland and coastal habitats. It grows along watercourses, on plains, and in open scrub on a range of soils.Suggested Uses
Myoporum montanum is used in revegetation, windbreaks, and as a fast-growing screen or informal hedge on dry inland and coastal sites. Its drought tolerance suits it to low-water and rehabilitation plantings away from grazing stock.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6'6" - 20'
Width/Spread6'6" - 13'
Bloom Information
Flowering can occur over much of the year in warm areas, with a main flush in spring and summer from about September to February. White purple-spotted flowers form in clusters along the stems. Fleshy fruits follow and ripen to purple over the following weeks.
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