Myoporum deserti
A.Cunn. ex Benth.
Turkey Bush
Description
Myoporum deserti is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). 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.
Edible Uses
Fruit - raw or cooked. A sweet flavour. Caution is advised, see notes above on possible toxicity.
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.
Distribution
Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia.
Where It Grows
AUSTRALASIA: Australia (New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia (south))
Cultivation
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.
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.
