‘NGURAL’ SUGARWOOD FALSE SANDALWOOD Myoporum platycaroum Seeds

Common names False sandlewood is used and this is a reference to when the timber is burnt as it emits a sweet aroma similar to the true sandlewood Santalum spicatum Another common name is sugarwood which is a reference to a sugary substance known as `manna which can exude from the bark

Large shrub or small tree inhabiting most of the dry areas of South Australia It occurs naturally in all of the mainland states

Can develop a canopy with drooping foliage with rough dark grey, fissured bark; a tree with prominence and character and can be very long lived, excellent shade, shelter or screening plant for dry areas

Occurs in mallee communities but on many different soil types, mostly alkaline, sand to loam and is extremely hardy and frost tolerant

It cannot grow in the shade It prefers dry or moist soil Can be lightly pruned to maintain shape

Small white fragrant tubular flowers, the main flowering season is from August to November and the fruits that follow are green and fleshy at first but dry when mature, whilst slow growing in the first couple of years it will put on a spurt once established

Bush Tucker uses: Fruit raw or cooked Caution is advised, see the notes below on possible toxicity A sweet manna exudes from the stems It is a popular local delicacy

Bush Medicine: Laxative

Other uses: Wood used for veneers and cabinet making The manna obtained from the stems can be used as an adhesive cement

Known hazards of Myoporum:

Although no records of toxicity have been found for this species, the fruits of at least some members of this genus are known to contain liver toxins and can be harmful in large quantities