Sweet myrtle

What does it look like?

Sweet myrtle is an attractive shrub or small tree that grows up to 10 metres in height. It has glossy leaves with a distinctive pointed tip, and fawn-brown, rough and flaky bark. The species has sweet smelling small white flowers that appear from October to February. The globular berries are yellow to red, 4 to 6 millimetres in diameter and mature in January and February.

Where does it live?

Sweet myrtle occurs from Nambour in South East Queensland to the Richmond River, New South Wales. On the Gold Coast, it has been found in Currumbin and Tallebudgera valleys.

Ecology & habitat

Sweet myrtle inhabits riparian rainforest and subtropical rainforest in lowland areas (usually below 600 metres in altitude). The species generally grows near streams and waterways on rich volcanic soils.

Seedlings are slow growing and take considerable time to reach maturity. Regeneration is difficult from seed and cuttings seldom strike.

How is its survival threatened?

• Small population size, increasing the risk of local extinctions
• Clearing of lowland forests near waterways on volcanic soils as prime agricultural land and for residential development
• Degradation of remaining habitat by invasive weeds, stock grazing and trampling
• Myrtle rust (exotic fungal disease) reduces plant health and reproductive success

How can we help?

• Train Council field officers in species identification
• Protect and increase the size of existing populations on Council land
• Restore disturbed habitat and establish new populations on Council land
• Support landholders to better identify and manage populations on private land

Image credit: Glenn Leiper