Myoporum Explained

Myoporum is a genus of flowering plants in the figwort family, Scrophulariaceae (formerly placed in Myoporaceae). There are 30 species in the genus, eighteen of which are endemic to Australia although others are endemic to Pacific Islands, including New Zealand, and one is endemic to two Indian Ocean islands. They are shrubs or small trees with leaves that are arranged alternately and have white, occasionally pink flowers and a fruit that is a drupe.

Description

Plants in this genus are shrubs or small trees, mostly glabrous with simple leaves that are arranged alternately and often lack a petiole (although the leaves often taper towards the base). The flowers are adapted for pollination by insects and have white, (sometimes pinkish) petals and usually 4 stamens. The fruit is a drupe with its central seed surrounded by a hard endocarp and usually succulent mesocarp.[1] [2]

Taxonomy and naming

The genus Myoporum was first formally described in 1786 by Georg Forster, from an unpublished description by Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander.[3] [4] The name Myoporum is derived from the Ancient Greek myo meaning "to close" or "to be shut" and poros meaning "pore", referring to the ability of (some) plants in this genus to exist in dry areas,[5] or possibly to the appearance of the glands on the leaves.[6]

Distribution

There are 30 species in the genus, which is spread from Mauritius, across Australia to the Pacific Islands. Eighteen species are endemic to Australia.

Ecology

Myoporum insulare is invasive in several African countries and in the western coastal areas of the United States. In South Africa this species is known as manatoka.[7] Some species, including M. insulare and M. laetum are known to be poisonous to stock.[8]

Use in horticulture

M. parvifolium, M. floribundum and M. bateae are often cultivated as ornamentals, hedges or windbreaks. M. insulare, M. montanum, M. acuminatum and sometimes M. parvifolium are often used as rootstock for Eremophila species, especially those that are difficult to grow from cuttings or that are to be grown in heavier soils.

Species list

The following is a list of the species of Myoporum accepted by the Australian Plant Census for Australian species and Plants of the World Online for others:[9] [10]

Formerly placed here

Notes and References

  1. Book: Chinnock. R.J. (Bob). Eremophila and allied genera : a monograph of the plant family Myoporaceae. 2007. Rosenberg. Dural, NSW. 9781877058165. 95. 1st.
  2. Web site: Plantnet - Royal Botanic Gardens (Sydney). National Herbarium of New South Wales. 10 January 2015.
  3. Web site: Myoporum. APNI. 31 August 2015.
  4. Book: Forster. Georg. Florulae Insularum Australium Prodromus. 1786. Göttingen. 44. 31 August 2015.
  5. Web site: Myoporum bateae . Crisp. Michael. 1986. Australian National Botanic Garden. 10 January 2015.
  6. Web site: Australian Native Plant Society (Australia). Australian Native Plant Society (Australia). October 2013. 10 January 2015.
  7. Book: Glen . Hugh . van Wyk . Braam . Guide to trees introduced into southern Africa . 2016 . Struik Nature . Cape Town, South Africa . 9781775841258 . 230–231 . First.
  8. Book: Boschen. Norma. Goods. Maree. Wait. Russell. Australia's eremophilas : changing gardens for a changing climate. 2008. Bloomings Books. Melbourne. 9781876473655. 23–24.
  9. Web site: Myoporum . Australian Plant Census . 18 November 2020.
  10. Web site: Myoporum . Plants of the World Online . 18 November 2020.

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