Prostrate Myoporum (Myoporum parvifolium 'Prostratum'): Tough Groundcover for Warm Climates

Overview

Prostrate myoporum (Myoporum parvifolium 'Prostratum') is a fast-growing, evergreen groundcover native to Australia. Its dense, trailing stems clothed in narrow, bright-green leaves form a living mulch that suppresses weeds and stabilizes slopes. Tiny white, star-shaped flowers dot the foliage in spring and sporadically through summer.

Botanical Description

Stems spread horizontally up to 2–3 m, rooting at nodes to create a mat 10–15 cm thick. Leaves are linear to oblanceolate, 2–5 cm long, glossy green, and slightly fleshy. Flowers are 5–7 mm wide, white with purple spots in the throat, borne singly in leaf axils. The cultivar 'Prostratum' is selected for its exceptionally low, spreading habit.

Taxonomy

Family:	Scrophulariaceae (skrof-yoo-larr-ee-AY-see-ee)
Genus:	Myoporum (my-OH-por-um)
Species:	parvifolium (par-vee-FOH-lee-um)
Cultivar:	'Prostratum'

Cultivation Requirements

• Light: Full sun to part shade.
• Soil: Well-drained; tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky soils.
• Water: Low to moderate; very drought-tolerant once established.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 9–11; damaged below -4°C (25°F).

Landscape Applications

Ideal for erosion control on banks, highway plantings, and large-scale groundcover in frost-free regions. Tolerates salt spray, making it suitable for coastal gardens. Can be mowed annually to maintain density. Avoid planting near natural areas where it may spread aggressively.

Cautions

All parts of Myoporum contain toxic compounds (ngarotoxins) harmful to livestock if ingested in quantity. Plant away from grazing areas. In some regions, it is considered invasive; check local regulations before planting.