12 Backhousia myrtifolia is a versatile garden plant with at least five common names, a fascinating back story, and connections with distinguished botanists and First Nation Peoples. A hint to its many uses in pre-colonial and early colonial times are its common names of Neverbreak and Ironwood – alluding to the toughness of the timber. Also known as Cinnamon Myrtle due to the fragrance of the young leaves, their suitability as a flavour additive, and its antibacterial qualities. The genus name Backhousia celebrates Quaker Missionary, Nurseryman, and Botanist James Backhouse who between 1832 and 1838 visited and reported on the conditions of penal colonies and the resettlement reserves of Aboriginal Australians. Known for his disregard for red tape he promoted penal reforms and land rights for Aboriginals. On his travels his fascination with Australian flora grew and he collected botanical specimens which he prepared and sent to Kew Gardens, leading to the adoption of his name for the Genus Backhousia. Its native range is from south-east New South Wales to Bundaberg. The bright white flowers and fragrance attracted leading colonial botanists. Robert Brown, the botanist on the Flinders Expeditions between 1802 and 1805 collected it on the shores of Sydney Harbour. Explorer and botanist Allan Cunningham, whose name is celebrated not only in botany but in major landforms collected it along the Grose River in the lower Blue Mountains on an expedition in 1823. It also caught the attention of William Guilfoyle on his botanical wanderings along the Tweed River and McPherson Ranges in 1871. Guilfoyle’s botanical skills led to his being appointed Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria from 1873 to 1909. As a hardy landscape plant, it lives up to the reputation it was afforded by these distinguished colonial botanists as well as present-day botanists and horticulturists. Left to grow to its natural form and size it makes a beautiful and useful shade tree or screen. It can be trimmed to a formal hedge or pruned to a dense high screen for privacy or as a windbreak. The nectar attracts butterflies, in particular the migratory Blue Tiger butterfly as well as stingless native bees. This and other species in the Backhousia genus including Lemon Myrtle B. citriodora, and B. angustifolia can be seen growing successfully at the Botanic Gardens at Benowa. They are all sometimes available as tubestock at Friends monthly Friday morning Plant Sale. Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Rosser Park, 232 Ashmore Rd, Benowa Visit www.friendsgcrbg.org.au or or visit City of Gold Coast www.gcparks.com.au Gardening by Kate Heffernan Honorary Life Member Friends of GCRBG, Botanic Garden Consultant 0417 294 778 A Touch of Grass Garden Care GARDEN CLEANUPS / REJUVENATION & MAKEOVERS A SPECIALTY We offer an experienced, professional and reliable service Call Jeremy on ... Est. Gold Coast since 2001 Let us create your new and rejuvenated garden where you can sit back, relax and enjoy your tranquil surroundings ... Specialising Garden Makeovers & Rejuvenation * Garden Care * Plant Selection * Soft Landscaping
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