Myoporum tenuifolium is a plant species in the figwort family, Scrophulariaceae, and is endemic to New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands. It is one of only two members of the genus Myoporum to occur in New Caledonia, the other being Myoporum crassifolium, from which it can be distinguished by its very thin leaves and glabrous (hairless) flowers.
Description
Myoporum tenuifolium is an erect shrub typically growing to a height of 1–2 m (3 ft 3 in – 6 ft 7 in) with flattened branches. Its leaves are arranged alternately, usually 50–70 mm (2.0–2.8 in) long and 9–16 mm (0.35–0.63 in) wide on a petiole 3–10 mm (0.12–0.39 in) long. The leaves are unusually thin and membranous, elliptic in shape, and have a distinct mid-vein on the lower surface.
The flowers are borne in leaf axils singly or in groups of up to four on a flattened pedicel 6–12.5 mm (0.24–0.49 in) long. Each flower has five triangular sepals and five petals joined at their bases to form a bell-shaped tube. The petals are white, and the tube is 2–4.5 mm (0.079–0.177 in) long, with the lobes slightly shorter than the tube. The tube and its lobes are glabrous, and there are four stamens that extend slightly beyond the tube. The fruit is a reddish to brown, oval drupe 3.5–7 mm (0.14–0.28 in) long.
Taxonomy and Naming
The species was first formally described in 1786 by the German naturalist Georg Forster in Florulae Insularum Australium Prodromus. The specific epithet tenuifolium is derived from the Latin words tenuis ("slender" or "thin") and folium ("leaf"), referring to the plant's characteristically thin leaves. Synonyms include Citharexylum perforatum, Citharexylum tenuifolium, and Myoporum acuminatum.
Distribution and Habitat
Myoporum tenuifolium is found on Grande Terre, the main island of New Caledonia, as well as on Maré Island and Ouvéa in the Loyalty Island group. It grows in scrub and forest habitats, often on steep hillsides, within the subtropical biome.
Ecology
The species has become naturalised on the southern coast of South Africa, where it is classified under South Africa's National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) as a Category 1b invasive species (with certain conditions for Category 3 status).
Use in Horticulture
Myoporum tenuifolium is a common garden plant in eastern Spain. It is also cultivated elsewhere as an ornamental evergreen shrub, known commonly as "waterbush" or "Manataka," valued for its glossy leaves and white spring flowers.
