Cinnamon Myrtle / Grey Myrtle
Origin of name
Family: MYRTACEAE
- Backhousia in honour of James Backhouse
- myrtifolia meaning “myrtle-like leaves“
Ocurrence
NOT a local plant. Occurs in rainforests from K’gari in Qld to just north of Bega in SE NSW.
Will grow in full sun/part-shade in moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates light frost but NOT salty wind. Responds to extra water and fertiliser, especially when young. Prune regularly to maintain desired shape.
Appearance
Small, bushy tree (3-7m, in gardens) with scaly bark and spreading, dense foliage to the ground in the open. Clusters of fluffy, cream-white flowers (Oct-Jan) lead to seed pods that split to release small seeds.
Dense foliage provides a good screen/hedge. Copper-coloured new growth & showy flowers are features. Soft, young leaves are cinnamon-scented. A good tree to host orchids and other epiphytes, owing to flaky bark.
Image coming soon