Myrsine howittiana
Muttonwood
Erect small tree with rusty hairs on new growth.
Additional information
- SynonymRapanea howittiana
- FamilyPrimulaceae
- StoreyMiddle storey
- Size3-15 m x 2-6 m
- Plant groupingTrees 3-25 m
- LeavesGlossy to dull dark green oblong leaves, paler below, with rounded tips and wavy edges, 3.3-10 cm x 10-45 mm. Young leaves often toothed. Leaves bunched at the ends of branches.
- Flower colourCream to greenish
- Flowering timeMay to August and November to January
- FlowersSmall flowers clustered along the leafless old wood. Small round fleshy blue fruit, December to June.
- Bird attractingFruit
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist well drained soils in open to damp forests and forests along rivers (riparian). Light to moderate frosts. Partial to full shade.
- Garden useAn interesting tree for a sheltered position. Screen plant. Can be used to replace Pittosporum undulatum which it is similar to in appearance.
- Commercially availableSpecialist Australian plant nursery
- Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 Healesville Sanctuary ©; 2 Marilyn Bull ©; 3, 4 Colleen Miller ©
Plant Communities