Boobialla
Myoporum tetrandrum

Family: Myoporaceae

What it is like

Myoporum tetrandrum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 5

Where it is found

By the coast in basalt, silurian and red sand areas.

Australia - New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit is about 4 - 6mm in diameter. Caution is advised, see the notes above on possible toxicity.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Plants can be used right on the coast as a protective screen from maritime winds, the roots also help to check coastal erosion.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

Easily grown in most soils. Succeeds in dry soils. Resists maritime exposure. This species is not very hardy in mainland Britain, it succeeds outdoors on the Scilly Isles but usually requires greenhouse protection elsewhere. A polymorphic species. Planted for shelter in Portugal, especially by the coast, and it is locally naturalized there. There is some confusion over this name. Most of the entries on this record were listed under M. serratum, which is listed here as a synonym of this species. However, says that M. serratum is a synonym of M. insulare, which has been treated here as a separate and distinct species.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Consider giving the plants some protection from the cold for their first few winters outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Pot up in the autumn. Good percentage.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no records of toxicity have been found for this species, the fruits of at least some members of this genus are known to contain liver toxins and can be harmful in large quantities.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

M. serratum. R.Br.