Pink myrtle, Rose myrtle, Beckler's myrtle
Archirhodomyrtus beckleri

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 3-5 m high and spreads 1.5-3 m across. It can be twice that size. The bark is light brown and flaky. The leaves are bright green and glossy. They are simple and 4-8 cm long by 1.5-2.5 cm wide. The leaves can have scattered hairs. The flowers are about 1 cm across. They are white, mauve or pink. They can occur singly or as 2-3 together. The fruit are 5-12 mm long and occur singly or in bunches. They can be in the axils of leaves or at the ends of branches. There are 20-40 seeds inside. The flesh of the fruit is edible.

There are 5-10 Archirhodomyrtus species.

Where it is found

It grows naturally in rainforest in Queensland and New South Wales in Australia. It can grow in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions. It grows from sea level to 1200 m altitude. It needs moist well drained soils. It can grow in full sun or light shade. It can tolerate light frosts.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from cuttings. They can also be grown from seed. The seed are small so should be sown shallowly.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Rhodomyrtus beckleri (F. Muell.) L. S. Sm.; Myrtus beckleri F. Muell.; and others