- Australian myrtle - Australiese mirt - Mirt, Australiese - Myrtle, Australian
Photographer: S. Neser
1. Origin or native range
SE Australia & Tasmania.
2. History / Introduction
No history info available.
3. General Description
Plant:
Large, densely branching, spreading shrub or tree up to 8 m high; bark grey, old stems twisted and furrowed with bark flaking in thin strips.
Leaves:
Dull greyish-green, leathery, 15–30 mm long, sessile, tips rounded with a tiny point.
Flowers:
White, solitary, axillary, up to 20 mm across, August–October.
Fruit:
Green turning yellow and finally grey, flat-topped, cup-shaped capsules, 7 mm long x 8 mm wide, opening by 6–11 valves at the top; seeds small, winged and wingless.
View line drawing:
4. Distribution
5. Habitats invaded
Forest clearings, mountain and lowland fynbos, on sandy soils.
6. Poisonous
No
7. Irritant
No
8. Ecological threat / Impact
Forms dense and impenetrable stands which outcompete and replace indigenous species. A dense and shallow root system is so effective in absorbing water that few other species can survive in the immediate vicinity. Burns fiercely and is a potential hazard to p
9. Methods of reproduction and dispersal
No method of reproduction and dispersal info available
