Sugarwood, False Sandalwood
Myoporum platycarpum

Family: Scrophulariaceae

What it is like

A tall shrub. The older trees become gnarled with dead limbs. Young growth is sticky. The bark is dark, rough and flaky. The branches droop. The leaves are 3-9 cm long by 0.3-1 cm wide and pale, shiny green. They are narrow and fleshy with teeth on the upper section. The flowers are small and like stars. They are white or pink and occur in dense clusters. The flowers are 0.5 cm across. The fruit are small and fleshy. They contain 2 seeds.

There are about 30 Myoporum species. Also put in the family Myoporaceae.

Where it is found

It grows in the drier parts of temperate Australia. It is often on poor, limy soils. In the Inland Botanical Gardens Mildura. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The manna or exudate produced by an insect is eaten for the sweet sugary sap.

Edible parts

Manna, sap, gum

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Disoon platycarpus F. von Mueller;