Myrtaceae
The Myrtaceae family consists of a vast group of evergreen trees and shrubs known for their significant ecological and economic importance. These plants are characterized by the presence of oil glands in their leaves, which produce aromatic essential oils. Key members of this family include commercially viable species such as eucalyptus, cloves, guava, and feijoa.
What the section contains
Aggreflorum
Aggreflorum
4 items
Agonis
Agonis (DC) Lindl.
1 item
Agonis
Agonis
Albizia lophantha
Melaleuca lophantha
Allosyncarpia
Allosyncarpia
1 item
Amomyrtus
Amomyrtus
2 items
Angophora
Angophora
1 item
Angophora floribunda
Angophora floribunda
Angophora hispida
Angophora hispida
Araza
Eugenia
2 items
Archirhodomyrtus
Archirhodomyrtus
1 item
Arillastrum
Arillastrum
1 item
Astartea
Astartea
1 item
Asteromyrtus
Asteromyrtus
3 items
Austromyrtus
Austromyrtus (Nied.) Burret
1 item
Austromyrtus
Austromyrtus
3 items
Babingtonia
Babingtonia Lindl.
1 item
Babingtonia
Babingtonia
Backhousia
Backhousia
1 item
Backhousia angustifolia
Backhousia angustifolia
Backhousia enata
Backhousia enata
Backhousia gundarara
Backhousia gundarara
Backhousia hughesii
Backhousia hughesii
Backhousia kingii
Backhousia kingii
Backhousia leptopetala
Backhousia leptopetala
Backhousia myrtifolia
Backhousia myrtifolia
Backhousia oligantha
Backhousia oligantha
Backhousia sciadophora
Backhousia sciadophora
Backhousia tetraptera
Backhousia tetraptera
Baeckea
Baeckea
4 items
Bancroft's backhousia
Backhousia bancroftii
Barongia
Barongia
1 item
Biconvex paperbark
Melaleuca biconvexa
Blepharocalyx
Blepharocalyx
Blepharocalyx salicifolius
Blepharocalyx salicifolius
Brazilian guava
Psidium guineense
Caju-do-cerrado
Eugenia dysenterica
Callistemon
Callistemon R. Br.
8 items
Callistemon
Callistemon
7 items
Calycolpus
Calycolpus
2 items
Calytrix leschenaultii
Calytrix leschenaultii
Calytrix tetragona
Calytrix tetragona
Cambuca
Eugenia cambucae
Campomanesia
Campomanesia
15 items
Cattley Guava
Psidium cattleyanum
Chamelaucium
Chamelaucium Desf.
12 items
Chamelaucium
Chamelaucium
1 item
Cheken
Myrtus cheken
Cloezia
Cloezia
2 items
Coriander
Gaudium
5 items
Cross-leaved paperbark
Melaleuca decussata
Curitiba
Curitiba
1 item
Cyathostemon
Cyathostemon
1 item
Darwinia
Darwinia
4 items
Decaspermum
Decaspermum
2 items
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus L'Hér.
83 items
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus
156 items
Eugenia axillaris
Eugenia axillaris
Eugenia bahiensis
Eugenia bahiensis
Eugenia balansae
Eugenia balansae
Myrtaceae
Originally native to tropical and subtropical regions, particularly across Australia and the Americas, these plants are now cultivated globally in favorable climates. Successful cultivation requires regions that are free from severe frosts, as most species thrive in warm, sunny environments with steady moisture levels throughout the growing season.
Botanically, Myrtaceae plants possess leathery, simple leaves and flowers with numerous stamens, which are often the most prominent part of the blossom. The fruits vary significantly, ranging from dry capsules in eucalyptus to juicy berries in various edible fruit-bearing species. Their rapid growth rate in optimal conditions makes them ideal for various industrial applications.
Agronomic management of Myrtaceae depends on well-drained, fertile soil and consistent irrigation practices. They generally prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil conditions. Proper maintenance involves regular pruning to manage canopy structure, which not only enhances the yield of fruits or biomass but also improves light penetration within the plantation rows.
The economic utilization of Myrtaceae is diverse and spans several industries:
- Extraction of essential oils for pharmaceuticals and fragrances.
- Commercial production of tropical fruits for the food industry.
- Timber production and reforestation of degraded lands.
- Ornamental horticulture in Mediterranean and subtropical climates.
Common pests and diseases affecting these crops include leaf spot fungi and various scale insects or spider mites, particularly in greenhouses. Effective disease management requires integrated pest control measures and maintaining adequate air circulation to prevent fungal proliferation, ensuring the longevity and health of the crop.