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Common Name: Turkey Bush

General Information

Myoporum deserti is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 3.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

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

Range

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

Habitat

Loamy soils, mainly in arid regions[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.00 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 plant withstands temperatures down to at least -7°c in Australian gardens[] but this cannot be translated directly to British gardens because of our cooler summers and longer wetter and colder winters. 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. A sweet flavour[]. Caution is advised, see notes above on possible toxicity.

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

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[].