''Pilidiostigma glabrum'', the plum myrtle, is a small tree or

shrub A shrub (often also called a bush) is a small-to-medium-sized perennial woody plant. Unlike herbaceous plants, shrubs have persistent woody stems above the ground. Shrubs can be either deciduous or evergreen. They are distinguished from trees ...

native to the

rainforest Rainforests are characterized by a closed and continuous tree canopy, moisture-dependent vegetation, the presence of epiphytes and lianas and the absence of wildfire. Rainforest can be classified as tropical rainforest or temperate rainfores ...

s of eastern Australia. Commonly seen in disturbed sites from near

Port Macquarie Port Macquarie is a coastal town in the local government area of Port Macquarie-Hastings. It is located on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Australia, about north of Sydney, and south of Brisbane. The town is located on the Tasman Sea co ...

in the south to Fraser Island in the north. Leaves and floral parts are hairless. Leaves opposite on the stem, 2 to 10 cm long, 1 to 3 cm wide, oil glands, very small. A narrow leaf form is found near Crystal Creek, in northern New South Wales. Small branches coloured purple/brown. White or pink flowers grow relatively large, 2 cm across, appearing from April to November. Fruit are a purplish black pear shaped

berry A berry is a small, pulpy, and often edible fruit. Typically, berries are juicy, rounded, brightly colored, sweet, sour or tart, and do not have a stone or pit, although many pips or seeds may be present. Common examples are strawberries, raspb ...

, up to 13 mm in diameter, with four to eight kidney shaped seeds. Seeds germinate easily from 7 to 28 days. Cuttings are slow to strike roots.

References

Flora of New South Wales Myrtaceae Myrtales of Australia Taxa named by Max Burret {{Australia-rosid-stub