Heath myrtle, Desert thryptomene
Thryptomene maisonneuvei
Family: Myrtaceae
What it is like
A low dense shrub. It has many branches and is round and compact. It grows 0.3-1.5 m high. The bark peels in thin red strips. The leaves are very small and crowded along the ends of the small branches. They have a sweet smell when crushed. The flowers are small and white or pinkish. The fruit are small woody capsules.
There are 40 Thryptomene species. They grow in Australia.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows on red sand dunes and sandplains. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The nectar is beaten from the flowers in early morning. It is used as a drink.
Edible parts
Honey, flowers - nectar