Myoporum

New Zealand’s Best Myoporum Trees

Growing colourful NZ-native trees in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• They can provide shelter and screening
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Ngaio and the right one for your space. Our Myoporum have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Myoporum, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Ngaio

1. What is another name for Myoporum?

There are many common names for Myoporum, depending on the species and region. Some of the most common common names include:

• Boobialla
• Coastal boobialla
• Creeping boobialla
• Dwarf native myrtle
• Manatoka
• Myoporum
• Native myrtle
• New Zealand myrtle
• Pōkākā
• Sandpaper tree
• Sprig myrtle
• Water boobialla

Some specific species of Myoporum also have their own unique common names. For example:

• Myoporum laetum: New Zealand native broom
• Myoporum insulare: Bastard sandalwood
• Myoporum parvifolium: Creeping boobialla
• Myoporum bontioides: Boobialla

2. Is Myoporum laetum poisonous?

Myoporum laetum is poisonous to livestock, such as horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs. It contains a toxin called ngaione, which can cause liver damage and death. The leaves and fruits of the plant are the most toxic parts. Ngaione is not reported to be toxic to humans, but it can cause skin irritation.

3. Is Myoporum an evergreen?

Myoporum is an evergreen plant. This means that it keeps its leaves year-round, even in winter.

4. How big do myoporum purpurea get?

Myoporum purpurea, also known as creeping boobialla, is a dense, evergreen ground cover that typically grows to be 30-40 cm tall and spreads up to 2 m wide. It has small, purple leaves and produces small white flowers in the spring and summer.

Myoporum purpurea is a popular choice for ground cover because it is low-maintenance and can tolerate a variety of growing conditions, including poor soil, drought, and salt spray. It is also relatively fast-growing, making it a good choice for covering large areas quickly.

5. What is the problem with Myoporum parvifolium?

Myoporum parvifolium, also known as creeping boobialla, is a popular ground cover plant. However, it can be susceptible to a number of problems, including:

• Thrips: This insect is the most serious pest of Myoporum parvifolium. Thrips feed on the new growth of the plant, causing distortion and stunting. In severe cases, thrips can kill the plant.
• Spider mites: Spider mites are another common pest of Myoporum parvifolium. They feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and drop off.
• Root rot: This fungal disease attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. Root rot is most common in poorly drained soil.
• Scale: Scale insects are small, armored insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant. They feed on the sap of the plant, causing it to weaken and decline.

6. What is the New Zealand tree Myoporum laetum?

Myoporum laetum, also known as ngaio, is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree native to New Zealand. It can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a wide, spreading crown. The leaves are glossy green and lance-shaped, with small serrations on the edges. The flowers are white with purple spots and are produced in clusters in the spring and summer. The fruit is a small, fleshy drupe that turns red when ripe.

Ngaio is a popular ornamental plant in New Zealand and other parts of the world. It is also used in traditional Maori medicine and has a number of other uses, including:

• Windbreak: Ngaio is often used as a windbreak because of its dense foliage and fast growth rate.
• Shelter: Ngaio can also be used to provide shelter for livestock and wildlife.
• Soil conservation: Ngaio is a good choice for planting on slopes and erosion-prone areas because it has deep roots that help to hold the soil in place.
• Food: The fruit of the ngaio tree is edible and can be eaten fresh, cooked, or dried. The leaves can also be eaten, but they are bitter.

Ngaio is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of drought, salt spray, and poor soil. Ngaio can be pruned to maintain its shape and size, but it is not necessary.

7. What is the sacred tree in New Zealand?

The sacred tree in New Zealand is the kauri (Agathis australis). It is a slow-growing, evergreen tree that can live for thousands of years. Kauri trees are found in the northern part of the North Island of New Zealand, and they are some of the largest trees in the world.

The kauri tree is sacred to the Māori people, who believe that it is the ancestor of all trees. The Māori people use the kauri tree for a variety of purposes, including building materials, carving, and medicine. The kauri tree is also an important part of New Zealand's natural heritage. It is home to a variety of native plants and animals, and it plays an important role in the ecosystem.

One of the most famous kauri trees is Tāne Mahuta, which is located in the Waipoua Forest. Tāne Mahuta is the largest kauri tree in New Zealand, and it is estimated to be over 2,500 years old. It is a popular tourist destination and a sacred place for the Māori people.