Myoporum parvifolium

(Creeping Boobialla)

The entire Myoporum genus has the common name of Boobialla, or is commonly referred to as the boobiallas, which is a fine example to give in the argument for using botanic names!

Creeping Boobialla, though, has the distinct advantage of the descriptor 'creeping' which suggests a groundcover species.

It's not just any groundcover though. This one has proven through a long drought just how tough it really is, and how green it stays in spite of everything else around it dying.

Then there's the mass of dainty white or pink flowers it produces from mid Spring to autumn.

Cultivation

M. parvifolium comes from a wide range of environments in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, and is often found on coastline saline flats. It's proven itself very adaptable in the landscape, and grows well in both acidic and alkaline soils, and sandy to quite clay soils.

Although it is referred to as a groundcover, M. parvifolium is actually a small shrub, as some forms with more ascending branches can get to 1.5 metres in height.

Plants can spread up to five metres, so it's a good space filler!

It looks particularly attractive cascading over terraces and walls etc, although, as can be seen here, it is ideal as a lawn replacement. However, it won't tolerate traffic because the stems are too brittle.

In an open sunny position Creeping Boobialla forms a thick mat, but in semi-shaded situations such as under trees, which it will tolerate, it won't be as dense.

M. parvifolium is also a useful soil stabiliser in erosion control, and is suitable for dam embankments. It's also known as a fire retardant plant.

Problems

Unfortunately all boobiallas can be susceptible to scale so be vigilant, as a severe infestation can cause defoliation. Scale is easily controlled by white oil (see our information sheet on Black Scale).

Another problem more specific to M. parvifolium than the other boobiallas is root knot nematodes (Click here to see our information sheet on these pests). Nematodes are too difficult to control and it is better just to remove infected plants and destroy. Prevention of nematode infection is the best strategy. Keeping the soil well mulched and rich in organic matter is a major nematode deterrent.

Propagation

All boobiallas strike fairly readily from semi hardened to hardened young growth. Seed can also be successful, as long as the seed is fresh. Seed doesn't need any pretreatment.

M. parvifolium will also strike from layered stems.

Information sources:

Elliot, W.R. & Jones, D.L., 1993, Encyclopaedia of Australian Plants, published by Lothian.
Wrigley, J.W. & Fagg, M., 2003, Australian Native Plants, 5th Edition, published by Reed NewHolland.

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