Myoporum laetum - Mousehole Tree

The Myoporum laetum, also known as the bright myoporum, is a large bush or small evergreen tree native to New Zealand. Appreciated for its dense habit, elegant foliage, and rapid growth, it is often used to create windbreak hedges or as an ornamental shrub in New Zealand gardens. In our latitudes, it adapts well to coastal areas. It can also be grown in a pot in colder climates where it will be brought indoors in winter.

The Myoporum laetum belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family and comes from the coastal areas of New Zealand. In its natural habitat, it is found along the shores, where conditions are usually challenging for many plants. This large bush has a bushy and dense habit, reaching 3 to 6 m in height with a spread of 2 to 4 m. Its rapid growth is one of its main assets. Its evergreen leaves are dark green, elongated, measuring between 10 and 15 cm in length. Their smooth and shiny surface reflects light, which has earned this species its nickname of bright myoporum. Small white or pink flowers appear from May to July, clustered in the axils of the leaves. They emit a subtle fragrance, adding a delicate touch to its ornamental appeal. After flowering, small purple to black berries form, about 1 cm in diameter, but beware, they are toxic if ingested. The foliage is decorative throughout the year, even in winter. Thin and often flexible stems give the plant a light yet structured appearance.

The Myoporum laetum is interesting for creating hedges by the sea. It can be associated with sturdy shrubs like Pittosporum tobira, with its evergreen foliage and fragrant white flowers, Elaeagnus ebbingei, Olearia traversii and Griselinia littoralis which has thick and shiny leaves. These shrubs form a decorative, dense, evergreen, effective hedge capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of coastal areas in just a few years.