myoporum

[ mahy-op-er-uhm ]

noun

1. any of several shrubs or trees of the genus Myoporum, chiefly of Australia and New Zealand, cultivated in warm regions as hedges or ornamentals.

Word History and Origins

Origin of myoporum¹

< New Latin (1786) < Greek mý ( ein ) to shut (the eyes) + New Latin -porum, derivative of Late Latin porus pore ², alluding to the spots on the leaves, suggesting closed pores