CULTURAL, FOOD, MEDICINAL USES AND POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS OF MYOPORUMSPECIES (MYOPORACEAE)

The traditional, current and potential uses of Myoporum species are do cumented. Historically, this genus was valued by the Australian Aborig inal people for cultural purposes and as a food plant of minor importa nce. Medicinal remedies were also acquired from this shrub. Myoporum s pecies were utilised by Aboriginal people in both coastal and Central Australia and throughout the Pacific region. These hardy shrubs are ch aracterised by their drought, fire, frost and grazing tolerances. They have horticultural potential and are good sources of selected phytoch emicals.