Herb latin name: Lophomyrtus bullata


Synonyms: Myrtus bullata


Family: Myrtaceae (Myrtle Family)



Edible parts of Lophomyrtus bullata:

Fruit - raw or cooked. They taste very much like a guava when they are fully ripe. The fruit is a many-seeded berry about 10mm in diameter.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Shrub

Height:
5 m
(16 feet)

Flowering:
May to
June

Habitat of the herb:

Coastal to montane forest, especially marginally, in North Island and occasionally in the north of South Island.

Propagation of Lophomyrtus bullata:

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a warm greenhouse in late winter or early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Give the plants some protection from the cold for at least their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in sand in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood, late autumn in a frame. Basal cuttings are used. Layering.

Cultivation of the herb:

Coastal to montane forest, especially marginally, in North Island and occasionally in the north of South Island.

Medicinal use of Lophomyrtus bullata:

None known

Known hazards of Lophomyrtus bullata:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.