Lower Risk

Sannantha similis (Twiggy Heath Myrtle)

(Babingtonia similis)

This shrub is native to Queensland and New South Wales. The species has gone through a large taxonomic reclassification lately. For many years the name Baeckea virgata was misapplied to this species. Baeckea virgata, currently Sannantha virgata, is endemic to New Caledonia. It is unknown how long S. similis has been in the plant trade for but it has not become naturalised in Australia or anywhere in the world. It produces white flowers between October and January. The species reproduces via seeds carried in very small fruits 2.5 – 3.5 mm in diameter. This species is the parent of several cultivars like Howie’s ‘Feathertips’, ‘Compacta’ and ‘La Petite’, among others.