Water Bush
Myoporum montanum

Family: Myoporaceae

What it is like

Myoporum montanum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). 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): 2

Where it is found

Sandy loams. Usually found in inland woodlands, but it is also sometimes found near the coast.

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Fruit - raw or cooked. Bitterly aromatic and salty sweet. The purplish fruit is 5 - 7mm in diameter. Caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

The plant can be used as a hedge or screen. Wood - soft but tough. Excellent for embankment and erosion control and is a good fire retardant plant.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. A very tough plant tolerating most well-drained soils and situations, frost and extended dry periods. Also tolerates alkaline soils. Prefers full sun but will grow in partial shade, not as dense as full sun. Can be rejuvenated by pruning or cutting back hard if it becomes too woody.

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

Waterbush

Synonyms

M. acuminatum.