They are shrubs or small trees with leaves that are arranged alternately and have white, occasionally pink flowers and a fruit that is a drupe.

[2][3] The genus Myoporum was first formally described in 1786 by Georg Forster, from an unpublished description by Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander.

[7] Recent molecular work into the Mypoporeae family seems to indicate that the genus Myoporum is nested within Eremophila, and is thus paraphyletic.

Myoporum insulare is invasive in several African countries and in the western coastal areas of the United States.

M. insulare, M. montanum, M. acuminatum and sometimes M. parvifolium are often used as rootstock for Eremophila species, especially those that are difficult to grow from cuttings or that are to be grown in heavier soils.