Greek syn — together, zygon — yoke, referring to the formation of the petals.

Erect shrubs. Leaves opposite, entire, small, decussate, covered with oil glands. Flowers 1-3 together towards the stem tips. Sepals and petals 5, the latter white or pink. Stamens 5, opposite the sepals. Ovary inferior with 1 chamber containing either 2 ovules, or 2 with 2 superimposed ovules. Fruit a hard capsule.

Grown for the prolific flowers and fine foliage.

32 species from S, C and NE Australia.

Seed.

Several species are used in the cut flower industry.

Stamens 5, opposite the sepals; fruit a dry capsule with 1 chamber; in Micromyrtus the stamens are opposite the petals when 5, or opposite sepals and petals when 10(12).

Green (1980).

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Myrtaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 3. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 2. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.