Backhousia myrtifolia

Cinnamon myrtle
Backhousia myrtifolia, leaf and flower
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Backhousia
Species:
B. myrtifolia
Binomial name
Backhousia myrtifolia

Backhousia myrtifolia (commonly referred to as carrol, neverbreak, iron wood, grey myrtle or cinnamon myrtle) is a small rainforest tree species which grows in subtropical rainforests of Eastern Australia.[1][2][3] First discovered and subsequently used by the indigenous communities of Australia, this plant produces oils that have a cinnamon-like aroma, and display both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.[4] Therefore, it has potential applications as not only a spice in food preparation, but also in the medical field as a treatment option for microbial infection.[4] Backhousia myrtifolia can grow up to 30 metres. The leaves are ovate or elliptic, 4–7 cm long, and the flowers star-shaped in appearance.[5]

Backhousia Myrtifolia is renowned for the snow-white colour of its flowers, a characteristic that makes it suitable not only as a domestic/commercial crop but also as an internationally exported product.[6] However, the susceptibility of this plant to "post-harvest browning syndrome" (a disease resulting in leaf discolouration and wilting), threatens its potential as a crop plant.[7]

  1. ^ Barrett, DJ; Ash, JE (1992). "Growth and Carbon Partitioning in Rainforest and Eucalypt Forest Species of South Coastal New South Wales, Australia". Australian Journal of Botany. 40 (1): 13. doi:10.1071/bt9920013. ISSN 0067-1924.
  2. ^ Sommano, Sarana (9 May 2015). "Physiological and Biochemical Changes During Heat Stress Induced Browning of Detached Backhousia myrtifolia (Cinnamon Myrtle) Tissues". Tropical Plant Biology. 8 (1–2): 31–39. doi:10.1007/s12042-015-9148-x. ISSN 1935-9756. S2CID 12622758.
  3. ^ Sinclair, Robyn Jean; Hughes, Lesley (18 October 2008). "Leaf mining in the Myrtaceae". Ecological Entomology. 33 (5): 623–630. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2311.2008.01014.x. ISSN 0307-6946. S2CID 85098437.
  4. ^ a b "Backhousia Myrtifolia: Grey Myrtle" (PDF). Hornsby Shire Council. 20 August 2005. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
  5. ^ Joyce, D.; Dunne, A.; Gordon, I.; Johnston, M. (15 August 2006). "Sustainable Native Floriculture?". Acta Horticulturae (716): 73–82. doi:10.17660/actahortic.2006.716.9. ISSN 0567-7572.
  6. ^ Firrel, C. (2006). To intervene or Not to intervene? An Evaluation of Strategic Intervention and its Usefulness in the Development of a Value Chain Alliance for the Native Flower Industry. MPhil Thesis, School of Natural and Rural Systems Management, University of Queensland.
  7. ^ "Backhousia Myrtifolia Hook. & Harv". plantNET. 2015. Archived from the original on 22 July 2005. Retrieved 10 June 2020.