Rhodomyrtus tomentosa aka Rose Myrtle

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa belongs to the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Common names include downy myrtle and hill gooseberry. Its native range spans tropical and subtropical Asia. This includes China, India, Sri Lanka, and much of Southeast Asia. It grows in open sandy ground, shores, and river banks. It also thrives on land where past use has damaged vegetation.

This evergreen shrub can also form a small tree. Its many branches reach about 3–13 feet [1–4 metres] tall. Plants can spread to about 10 feet [3 metres] wide. Growth is fast, and the plant can form dense stands. In such places, few other plants seem able to compete. Growers plant it for its flowers and edible fruit. It also serves as a hedge and attracts wildlife. Insects pollinate the flowers.

The purple fruit has an oblong shape. Each fruit reaches about 0.05 feet [0.015 metres] long. Fully ripe fruit tastes sweet, while unripe fruit tastes astringent. People eat the ripe fruit fresh or add it to salads. They also cook it in pies, tarts, jams, and jellies. In Vietnam, growers pack fruit in syrup for sale abroad. People also ferment the fruit to make a wine-like drink. Plants For A Future lists flowers and leaves as edible too.

Give this plant full sun and soil that holds moisture. Good drainage suits it, though it can endure brief floods. It grows in sand, loam, or clay, including poor soils. Acid soil suits it best, with a preferred pH of 4–6. It can also cope with salt in the soil. It suits tropical and subtropical climates with ample rain. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 9–11. Sources report brief cold spells down to about 21°F [−6°C].

The plant can spread strongly, so weed risk deserves attention. It regrows well after fire within its native range. Trials have used it to shade slower-growing native plants during restoration. It has also shown promise for use in fire breaks. Wood tar provides a black dye. Traditional medicine uses the fruit, roots, and leaves for several complaints. These reported uses do not establish that treatments work. Both plant references report no known hazards. Neither supplies specific information on pet safety.