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Myoporum montanum - R.Br.

Common Name Water Bush
Family Myoporaceae
USDA hardiness 8-11
Known Hazards Although no records of toxicity have been found for this species, the fruits of at least some members of this genus are known to contain liver toxins and can be harmful in large quantities[173].
Habitats Sandy loams[154]. Usually found in inland woodlands, but it is also sometimes found near the coast[193].
Range Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Half Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Myoporum montanum Water Bush


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Myoporum montanum Water Bush
www.flickr.com/photos/tony_rodd/

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Myoporum montanum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

M. acuminatum.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked[144]. Bitterly aromatic and salty sweet[193]. The purplish fruit is 5 - 7mm in diameter[265]. Caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity.

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Hedge  Hedge  Wood

The plant can be used as a hedge or screen[157]. Wood - soft but tough[154]. Excellent for embankment and erosion control and is a good fire retardant plant.

Special Uses

Hedge  Hedge

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. A very tough plant tolerating most well-drained soils and situations, frost and extended dry periods. Also tolerates alkaline soils. Prefers full sun but will grow in partial shade, not as dense as full sun. Can be rejuvenated by pruning or cutting back hard if it becomes too woody.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Consider giving the plants some protection from the cold for their first few winters outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Pot up in the autumn. Good percentage[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Waterbush

Native Range

TROPICAL ASIA: Papua New Guinea, East Timor AUSTRALASIA: Australia (New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria (north), Western Australia, Northern Territory)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Myoporum debileWinter AppleShrub1.0 8-11  LMHNDM11 
Myoporum desertiTurkey BushShrub3.0 -  LMHNDM10 
Myoporum ellipticum  0.0 -  LMHSNM00 
Myoporum insulareBoobyallaShrub3.0 8-11  LMHNDM103
Myoporum laetumNgaio, Ngaio tree, Mousehole TreeShrub6.0 9-11 MLMHNDM113
Myoporum platycarpumSugarwoodShrub8.0 8-11  LMHNDM113
Myoporum tetrandrumBoobiallaShrub5.0 8-11  LMHNDM103

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

R.Br.

Botanical References

154265

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

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