Myoporum platycarpum
a perennial woody evergreen member of the Myoporum genus in the family Myoporaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Myoporaceae
- Genus
- Myoporum
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Woodiness
- woody
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
Uses
Toxicity
Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
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[6].
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Fruit - raw or cooked[8][9]. Caution is advised, see the notes above on possible toxicity. A sweet manna exudes from the stems[8][3][4][5]. It is a popular local delicacy[9][1]. The manna cannot be induced to flow by wounding the stem[1].
- Plant part
- Fruit
- Plant part
- Sap
- Product or use
- Manna
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Laxative[2].
- Product or use
- Laxative
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The manna obtained from the stems can be used as an adhesive cement[5]. The plant yields a resin[3][4]. No more details are given, though these reports could be referring to the manna. Wood - perfumed. Used for veneers and cabinet making, it is a sandalwood substitute[3][4][5].
- Product or use
- Adhesive
- Product or use
- Resin
- Product or use
- Wood
Environment
- Range
- Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria.
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
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[10].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
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[5]. Succeeds in dry soils[7].
References
Cribb. A. B. and J. W. Wild Food in Australia. Fontana 1976-00-00 ISBN 0-00-634436-4
Lassak. E. V. and McCarthy. T. Australian Medicinal Plants.
Ewart. A. J. Flora of Victoria.
Cribb. A. B. and J. W. Useful Wild Plants in Australia. William Collins Pty Ltd. Sidney 1981-00-00 ISBN 0-00-216441-8
Holliday. I. and Hill. R. A Field Guide to Australian Trees. Frederick Muller Ltd. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0-85179-627-3
Crowe. A. Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Hodder and Stoughton 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-340-508302
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00
Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202
Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00