Backhousia leptopetala

Backhousia leptopetala (syn. Choricarpia leptopetala) is a common Australian tree, growing from Stanwell Park (34° S) in the northern Illawarra district to near Buderim (26° S) in south eastern Queensland.

Backhousia leptopetala
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Backhousia
Species:
B. leptopetala
Binomial name
Backhousia leptopetala
(F.Muell.) M.G.Harr.[1]
Synonyms
  • Choricarpia leptopetala (F.Muell.) Domin
  • Syncarpia leptopetala F.Muell.

Common names include brown myrtle, never-break, brush turpentine and rusty turpentine. The habitat of Backhousia leptopetala is rainforest on the poorer sedimentary soils, near streams. It is also seen in moist eucalyptus areas on ridges. It may be identified by the greyish fawn colour under the leaf, and rusty hairy branchlets.

Description

Backhousia leptopetala is a small tree, occasionally reaching 20 metres in height and a 35 cm in trunk diameter. The tree has attractive displays of cream flowers and appealing foliage.

The bark is a greyish brown, relatively soft, flaky or corky. The trunk is somewhat fluted and irregular. Larger trees are flanged at the base.

The leaves are opposite, simple and entire. Broad with a fine leaf tip. Around 5 to 13 cm long. The edges of the leaves are curled over and wavy. A mid green above, but a greyish fawny green underneath. The midrib is sunken on the top surface, but venation is prominent under the leaf. Near the wavy leaf edge, is an intramarginal vein, not always easily seen. The underside of the leaf is covered in tiny hairs.

Flowers are small. Cream or white, densely together in globular heads, appearing in July to September. From a distance, flowers resemble the Callicoma.

The fruit matures from August to November, being mostly a two celled capsule, around 13 mm in diameter. Fresh seed is recommended for germination. Cuttings are not a successful method of regeneration.

Uses

An attractive ornamental tree.

  • scanned leaves
  • trunk

References
Citations
  1. "Backhousia leptopetala (F.Muell.) M.G.Harr". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government.
Bibliography
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