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Taxon  Report  
Myoporum laetum  G. Forst.
Lollypop tree,   Ngaio tree
Myoporum laetum is a tree or shrub that is not native to California.
Cal-IPC rating: moderate
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~1687 records in California
redone or more occurrences
within a 7.5-minute quadrangle
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Bloom Period
Genus: Myoporum
Family: Scrophulariaceae  
(Myoporaceae)
Category: angiosperm  
PLANTS group:Dicot
Jepson eFlora section: eudicot

Toxicity: Do not eat the leaf of this plant.

Wetlands:
Arid West: Occurs usually in non wetlands, occasionally in wetlands
Mountains, Valleys and Coast: Occurs in non wetlands

Name Status:
Accepted by JEF + PLANTS

Information about  Myoporum laetum from other sources

[Cal-IPC] Invasiveness: Myoporum laetum (myoporum) is an evergreen shrub or small tree (family Myoporaceae) found along the coast of California and in the San Francisco Bay region. It favors coastal areas, woodlands and riparian areas. This landscape ornamental has white flowers with purple dots and reddish-purple fruits. Myoporum has escaped cultivation in many areas, and is commonly found near urban areas. Myoporum may crowd out native plants, growing to form dense stands. It is susceptible to damage from the introduced myoporum thrips (Klambothrips myopori; Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), which is believed to have slowed its spread. A recently introduced thrips-resistant cultivar (Clean n Green) has also been evaluated as potentially invasive. Myoporum foliage contains toxic chemical compounds that can cause fatal liver damage in livestock, so grazing is not a control option. Mature plants are commonly treated by cutting at ground level and painting the stump with an herbicide. (contributed by Mary Ann Machi)

[Wikipedia] New Zealand native: Myoporum laetum, commonly known as ngaio or mousehole tree is a plant in the family Scrophulariaceae endemic to New Zealand, including the Chatham Islands. It is a fast growing shrub, readily distinguished from others in the genus by the transparent dots in the leaves which are visible when held to a light. (contributed by Mary Ann Machi)


Suggested Citation
Calflora: Information on California plants for education, research and conservation, with data contributed by public and private institutions and individuals. [web application]. 2024. Berkeley, California: The Calflora Database [a non-profit organization]. Available: https://www.calflora.org/   (Accessed: 04/25/2024).