Myoporum petiolatum Chinnock

Taxonomic Identity and Size

Myoporum petiolatum Chinnock is a shrub that typically reaches 0.5 to 2.0 meters (2 to 7 feet) in height.

Leaf Arrangement and Petiole

Its leaves are arranged alternately, with a distinct petiole 5 to 13 millimeters (0.2 to 0.5 inches) long.

Leaf Dimensions

Most leaves measure 30 to 63 millimeters (1 to 2 inches) long and 10 to 27 millimeters (0.4 to 1 inch) wide.

Leaf Shape and Surface

They are elliptic to egg-shaped, with a dark green, shiny upper surface that contrasts with the lighter-colored lower surface.

Leaf Margin

Tiny serrations run along the leaf margins.

Inflorescence Structure

Flowers grow in clusters of 2 to 5 in leaf axils, on stalks 4.6 to 8 millimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inches) long.

Floral Parts

There are 5 narrow triangular sepals, and 5 petals that form a tube ending in spreading lobes.

Petal Coloration

The petals are white with a faint lilac tint, and have purple spots on the lobes and inside the tube.

Petal Dimensions

The petal tube is 3 to 4.5 millimeters (0.1 to 0.2 inches) long, while the lobes are 4.4 to 6.7 millimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inches) long.

Fruit Characteristics

The fruit is a succulent, rounded, yellow-green drupe approximately 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) in diameter.

Distribution and Habitat

This species occurs in South Australia and Victoria, Australia, where it is found from the Flinders Ranges, Mount Lofty Ranges, and Kangaroo Island to the ranges surrounding Melbourne, growing most often in exposed areas of woodland.