Common names include Grey Myrtle, Native Myrtle, Scrub Myrtle, Cinnamon Myrtle, Carrol, Ironwood, Lance Wood, Black Myrtle, Never Break, Native Cinnamon, Bubblegum Tree. Backhousia myrtifolia can be found in the rainforests of subtropical Australia from Bega on the NSW south coast to Fraser Island off Queensland.
Small tree to 7m tall / 2m wide
Prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy), well-drained, moist soils and requires well-drained soil in full, or nearly-full sun. Does not like shade.
Flowers are cream/white cymes bunched at branchlet ends from November-January.
Fruit is a small brown capsule ripe March-April.
Provides small bird habitat, especially pardalotes.
Bush Food: The foliage when crushed smells and tastes like cinnamon, may be used in place of conventional cinnamon spice used in various dishes, curries, stews, soups, roasts, ribs and sauces. In desserts, they add a warm, earthy flavor to pies, biscuits, sweets, pastries and slices. They may also be used fresh or dried, steeped in hot water, to make a herbal tea.
Bush medicine: Leaves can be crushed up and rubbed on skin as an insect repellant. Cinnamon Myrtle was also used to treat heartburn, indigestion and other digestive issues.
Other uses: Timber was used for tool handles, fishing rods and bows.