Scientific Name: Myoporum insulare

Common Name: common boobialla

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Form Description: Tall woody shrub or small tree. Leaves thick, elliptical and pointed, slightly toothed towards tips, 3-9cm long.

Height (m): 3 – 6

Flowers: Small, 5-petalled flowers, white spotted with purple, 7mm wide and occurring in the leaf axils.

Fruit: Drupe – purple to black, succulent, about 8mm wide.

Municipality
Break O’DayBurnieCentral CoastCircular HeadClarenceDevonportDorsetFlindersGeorge TownGlamorgan-Spring BayHobartKing IslandKingboroughLatrobeSorellTasmanWest Tamar
Plant Communities
Coastal Vegetation
Habitat Notes

Common on sandy coasts.

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

Suitable as a hedge or screening plant, especially in sandy soil and other well-drained positions, resistant to salt spray. Tolerates salt winds and dry conditions. The fruits are salty-sweet and edible.

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed, Cuttings

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Difficult to grow from seed.

Seed Treatment Method

Soaking Soak seed in water for 8-12 hours, changing the water 2-3 times.

Seed Treatment Notes

Remove flesh from fruit and soak overnight in warm water before sowing. Use fresh seed, cover with 2-3mm of seed raising mix and place 4mm of gravel over surface. Place the trays in an open position and provide shade on hot days.

Cutting & Division Information

Cuttings are easy to strike, and usually take within a fortnight. Can be struck in a glass jar of water, placed in a well-lit position. Change the water once a week. Take care when potting out, as formed roots tend to be soft. Keep the potted plants in the shade for 3-4 weeks before planting out.