Asteromyrtus angustifolia (Gaertn.) Craven

Myrtaceae

Craven, L.A. (1988) Australian Systematic Botany 1(4): 377.

Seldom exceeding 30 cm dbh. Dead bark finely layered.

Midrib and two lateral veins more prominent than the rest. Leaf blades about 25-60 x 3-6 mm, gradually tapering into a very short petiole. Leaves very aromatic when crushed.

Inflorescence globose. Petals orbicular to elliptic, about 3-6 mm long. Stamens about 30-65 in each bundle, free filaments about 1-6 mm long.

Infructescence globose, about 10-20 mm diam. Individual capsules usually 3-celled. Seeds winged at the apex, the wing usually extending along both sides. Embryo about 2-2.2 mm long.

Cotyledons ovate or elliptic, about 4-5 x 2-3 mm, apex obtuse, base cuneate. Oil dots small, visible only with a lens. At the tenth leaf stage: leaf blade linear with only the midrib and the intramarginal veins visible; oil dots visible with a lens; leaf blade very gradually tapering into the petiole. Seed germination time 31 days.

Endemic to Queensland, occurs in CYP and NEQ. Altitudinal range from near sea level to 150 m. Usually grows in monsoon forest or vine thickets on sand dunes or sand hills.

An adaptable small tree with horticulture merit that will grow well in sandy soils. Flowers are cream to pink.

Asteromyrtus gaertneri Schauer, Linnaea 17: 242(1843). Melaleuca angustifolia Gaertn., Fruct. sem pl. 1: 172(1788), Type: Queensland, Endeavour River?, 1770, Banks & Solander; holo: BM; iso: MEL.