Uromyrtus

taxobox
name = "Uromyrtus"
regnum = Plantae
unranked_divisio = Angiosperms
unranked_classis = Eudicots
unranked_ordo = Rosids
ordo = Myrtales
familia = Myrtaceae
genus = "Uromyrtus"
genus_authority = Burret
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = See text.|

"Uromyrtus" is a genus of approximately 15-20 species in the myrtle family Myrtaceae. The greatest diversity of species are found in New Caledonia and the remainder are found in Australia, New Guinea and Malesia. Two new species were recently described from Australia, "U. lamingtonensis" and "U. tenellus". Species of "Uromyrtus" from New Caledonia are currently being revised. The flowers occur singly in the axils of the leaves and typically point downwards. In this respect the genus superficially resembles the neotropical genus "Ugni", but evidence from DNA sequencing studies suggests the genera are not closely related.

One Australian species "U. australis" is critically endangered and is restricted to a small location in northern New South Wales. This plant is known as the peach myrtle due to the colour and shape of its fruit.

External links

* [http://www.anbg.gov.au/images/photo_cd/732131822184/042.html Photograph of flowers of U. australis]