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

Example Sentences

Myoporum rimatarense — This tree from French Polynesia was only collected once, back in 1921, and extensive plant surveys have failed to find another.

Read more on Salon

In 2017, winter storms felled three of four wind-bent Myoporum trees that leaned over the path to the beach.

Read more on Los Angeles Times