Twiggy Heath Myrtle, Twiggy Baeckea, Tall Baeckea
Sannantha virgata

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

An erect shrub. It grows 1-3 m high and spreads 1-2 m across. The stems are slender and spreading. They sometimes hang downwards at the ends. The leaves are sword shaped and 1-2.5 cm long and 2-6 mm wide. The midrib is easy to see. The flowers are small and white. They are 8 mm across and with 5 rounded petals. They are grouped into clusters of 3-7 flowers together. The fruit is a tiny capsule 3 mm across.

There are 70 Baeckea species. Most are in Australia.

Where it is found

It occurs in coastal districts. It grows in heath and open forests often along stream banks. It suits temperate and subtropical climates. It can tolerate heavy frosts. It needs moist well drained soils. It suits hardiness zones 9-10. Wittunga Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The leaves are used for tea.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed or by tip cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Babingtonia virgata (J. R. Forst. & G. Forst.) F. Muell; Baeckia virgata (J. R. Forst. & G. Forst.) Andrews; Leptospermum virgatum J. R. Forst. & G. Forst.; and others