Western boobialla, Waterbush, Native Myrtle
Myoporum montanum

Family: Scrophulariaceae

What it is like

A medium sized bush. It grows 1-4 m high and spreads 1-5 m wide. The young growth is sticky. Branches are spreading or curve upwards. The small branches are warty. The leaves are 3-14 cm long by 0.15-2 cm wide. They are narrowly sword shaped. They are alternate. They are light green. The flowers are 0.6 cm across. They are white with purplish dots. There are 1-6 flowers together in the leaf axils. The fruit are 0.8 cm across. They are reddish-purple and succulent.

Also put in the family Myoporaceae.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It can grow in semi-arid regions. It is drought resistant. it is widely distributed in central Australia. It can grow on acid or alkaline soils. It is hardy to frost. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Papua New Guinea

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. Seeds can be slow to germinate.

Its other names

Local names

Buubiyala, Gii

Synonyms

Myoporum cunninghamii Benth.;