Narrow leafed myrtle, Narrow-leafed midgenberry
Austromyrtus tenuifolia
Family: Myrtaceae
What it is like
A small to medium shrub. It grows 1-3 m high and spreads 1-2 m wide. The young shoots have silky hairs. The leaves are thin and narrow. They are 2-4 cm long by 0.4 cm wide. The edges curve backwards. The leaves are hairy underneath. The flowers are white. They are 0.7 cm across. They occur singly in the axils of leaves. The fruit stalk is 0.7 cm long. The fruit is a berry about 1 cm across. The fruit are edible.
There are 14 Austromyrtus species. They occur in Australia.
Where it is found
It can grow in tropical, subtropical and temperate climates. It does best with some shade. It needs moist well drained soils. It can stand light frost. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.