Myoporum bateae is an open shrub that reaches a height of 3 metres in our cold climate garden.
Leaves are long, narrow, linear, sticky, dotted with glands and up to 15 centimetres long. We have observed honey bees visiting the leaves, possibly because the glands exude a honey-attracting secretion.
Flowers may be white or pale purplish pink. From 4 to 10 flowers are carried in the axils of the leaves. The main flowering period is spring and summer with sporadic flowering at other times.
Myoporum bateae is considered rare. The species occurs in small populations some of which are protected in reserves. The species is found in the Central and South Coast areas as well as the Southern Tablelands of NSW.
All myoporums are commonly known as Boobiallas.
Growth habit, foliage and flowers are all attractive features.
Regular tip pruning will prevent plants becoming straggly.
As with all myoporums, this species propagates readily and rapidly from cuttings.
At one time Myoporum bateae was considered to be a sub species of M. floribundum but M. bateae does not have the narrow, pendant leaves of the former species.