The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

Common Name: Water Bush

General Information

Myoporum montanum is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 2.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials.

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[].

Botanical References

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Range

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria.

Habitat

Sandy loams[]. Usually found in inland woodlands, but it is also sometimes found near the coast[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Easily grown in most soils[]. Succeeds in dry soils[].

Edible Uses

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

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The plant can be used as a hedge or screen[].
Wood - soft but tough[].

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, mid summer in a frame. Pot up in the autumn. Good percentage[].