Myoporum tenuifolium aka Manatoka

Myoporum tenuifolium is an evergreen plant from New Caledonia. It grows in subtropical climates and belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family. Kew lists it as a shrub or tree. The RHS calls it a spreading shrub in gardens. Its common names include waterbush, boobialla, manatoka and pointed boobialla. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Its bushy crown grows up and out. Garden plants reach about 8–13 feet (2.5–4 metres) tall. They spread about as wide as they grow tall. Allow room for this width when you choose a site. Plants take around 10–20 years to reach full size. The thin leaves are elliptic, or oval in shape. They have a glossy green surface and stay through winter. Small white flowers bloom in spring. Some have purple spots. They grow alone or in small groups at the leaf axils, where leaves join stems. Purple berries then form in place of the flowers.

Outdoors, choose a sunny spot with shade at midday. Soil should stay moist but let excess water drain. The RHS lists chalk and loam as suitable soils. The plant grows in acid, neutral and alkaline soil. It can cope with drought, though it prefers moist soil. Sites that face south or west suit its needs. The RHS says sites may be sheltered or exposed. Its H3 rating limits outdoor use to fairly mild UK regions. This rating covers winter lows around 23–34°F (−5 to 1°C).

Grow it under glass where frost poses a risk. Or use a pot you can move indoors for winter. For pots, use peat-free compost with a loam base. Under cover, give plants bright light through a filter. Its year-round leaves suit courtyard gardens and informal planting. The RHS also lists uses in borders and beds. It lists edging and ground cover too. Its wide form can fill space in subtropical gardens. Prune it at set times to keep it within its space.

Cut out dead or diseased growth in late winter or early spring. Do this before new growth starts. Take semi-hardwood cuttings to grow more plants. These are stem pieces that have begun to turn woody. Take them from late summer into early autumn. The RHS reports few disease problems for this species. Scale insects can harm plants grown under glass. The supplied sources do not say whether its berries are safe to eat. Nor do they give evidence of toxicity for this species. The fruit's purple colour alone does not mean it is safe.