Medicine Leaf
Origin of name
Family: MYRTACEAE
- Asteromyrtus meaning “star-myrtle“
- magnifica meaning “magnificent“
Occurrence
NOT a local plant. Restricted to the sandstone plateau of Arnhem Land, Kakadu National Park & Groote Eylandt.
Requires good drainage and full sun. Prefers a range of acidic soils. Prune to maintain a more compact bush. Good for rockeries & home gardens, AWAY from pipes.
Appearance
Small, open shrub (1-3m) with narrow, scented leaves, & rough, brown bark. Globular heads (3-5cm diam.) of white, yellow or orange flowers (Oct-Jul) are followed by round/oblong clumps of capsules containing fine seeds.
Important nectar source for native bees. Well-displayed, colourful, perfumed flowers attract birds and butterflies. Rated as cyclone-resistant. Tolerates dry periods.
