Native Australian Plants in the Myrtaceae Plant Family

The Myrtaceae or myrtle family is a group of flowering plants, with over 5,700 species across 132 genera.

This family is particularly significant in Australia, home to approximately 2,200 species, many of which have adapted to the country’s varied climates and soil conditions.

Identifying Plants in the Myrtaceae Family

Myrtaceae plants exhibit certain distinguishing characteristics. They’re predominantly woody plants, ranging from shrubs to large trees. The leaves of these plants are rich in essential oils, giving off a distinctive aroma when crushed.

Their bark often peels away in strips or flakes, revealing a smoother, often colourful, underbark. The flowers, typically small and radially symmetrical, have numerous stamens that are usually longer than the petals, making them quite conspicuous.

In the case of eucalypts

Spotlight on Native Australian Plants in the Myrtaceae Family

Eucalyptus spp.

Eucalyptus, one of the most well-known genera in this family, includes over 700 species. These trees are characterised by their aromatic leaves and smooth, peeling bark. In landscaping, eucalyptus serves several purposes, from providing shade and windbreaks to serving as ornamental features due to their attractive bark and fragrant flowers.

It’s important to note that plants in the Corymbia and Angophora genera are also termed as “eucalypts,” and display similar properties to Eucalyptus spp.

Lilly Pilly

Lilly pilly, a common name for species within Syzygium, Acmena and Waterhousea genera, are popular Australian native plants. These evergreen trees or shrubs bear glossy leaves, fluffy flowers, and colourful, edible berries.

They hold cultural significance for Indigenous Australians, who use the berries for food and medicine. In landscaping, lilly pillies are often used as hedges, windbreaks, or shade trees due to their dense foliage and fast-growing nature.

Callistemon spp.

Callistemon, or bottlebrushes, are known for their cylindrical, brush-like flower spikes. They serve as excellent ornamental plants, adding colour to landscapes and attracting native birds and insects with their nectar-rich flowers.

Melaleuca spp.

Melaleuca, also known as paperbarks or honey-myrtles, consists of about 230 species. They are recognised by their thick, papery bark and spike-like clusters of flowers. Melaleucas are commonly used in landscapes for their ornamental value and ability to thrive in wet conditions.

Tristaniopsis spp.

Tristaniopsis, commonly known as water gum, includes several species notable for their glossy green leaves and attractive, flaky bark. These species are often used in urban landscapes due to their beauty, adaptability to different soil types and resistance to air pollution.

Cultivation and Care of Myrtaceae Plants in Australia

Soil and Climate Requirements

Myrtaceae plants are generally adaptable, thriving in a range of soil types. They predominantly prefer well-drained soils, with some plants like lilly pillies tolerating free-draining, sandy conditions, whilst others like callistemons tolerating heavy, clayey soils.

As for climate, Myrtaceae plants are versatile, with species found in arid regions to humid, subtropical areas. Whichever part of Australia you live in, there are a number of myrtle family members that will thrive in your garden.

Make sure to check plant labels for details on your desired plants’ sunlight, soil and climate requirements.

Watering and Fertilising Needs

Watering needs vary amongst Myrtaceae species, but most are drought-tolerant once established. However, regular watering during dry spells is beneficial for all members as long as they don’t become waterlogged.

Newly planted specimens need regular watering until they are well-established. This could take a couple of months to a year, depending on your plant. Again, ensure that the soil doesn’t become waterlogged and that your plant roots can still “breathe” beneath the soil.

Fertiliser needs are typically low, as many myrtle family members have adapted to Australia’s poor soils. However, if you want your plants to look their best, give them a good feed once or twice a year with an organic fertiliser like compost.

Some people will tell you that you need to use a “native” fertiliser low in phosphorous. This advice is definitely true for Proteaceae members (which have a special root system that’s hyper sensitive to phosphorous), but less relevant for most myrtle family members.

You can use regular compost or composted manure – just don’t overdo it all in one go as they can be burned by too many nutrients just like other plants.

Pruning and Maintenance

Pruning helps maintain shape and promote denser growth in most Myrtaceae species. It’s generally recommended to prune after flowering to avoid removing flower buds for amenity and ecological reasons.

Different Myrtaceae members respond differently to pruning. Lilly pillies and callistemons love to be pruned, but eucalypts generally do not. Selectively prune branches to a fork if you’d like to maintain the natural shape of the plant, and some plants like callistemons don’t mind being cut back hard every few years.

Just don’t try to prune trees. That’s a job for a qualified arborist.

Regular health checks for pests or disease and mulching to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds contribute to the healthy maintenance of these plants.

Myrtaceae Plants in Australian Landscapes

Myrtaceae plants offer significant environmental benefits, improving soil stability and providing habitat and food to wildlife. Their diverse forms, vibrant flowers and adaptability make them a popular choice in landscape design, serving various roles from creating striking focal points with eucalyptus and tristaniopsis trees to forming dense hedges with lilly pillies and callistemons.

Daniel’s Wrap

Myrtaceae plants, with their aesthetic appeal, environmental benefits and adaptability to varied conditions, hold immense value in the Aussie landscape. They form an integral part of Australia’s natural heritage, and their cultivation contributes to the preservation and enrichment of our unique flora.

These native species offer a wealth of possibilities for both home gardeners and professional landscapers, forming a staple in both native and mixed planting palettes.