Winter Apple
Myoporum debile

Family: Myoporaceae

What it is like

Myoporum debile is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Open forests, grassland and dry areas in Australia. By the coast between Raglan and Kawhia in New Zealand.

Australia and New Zealand.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Fruit - raw or cooked. Slightly bitter. A pleasantly salty-sweet flavour. The fruits are 6 - 8mm long. Caution is advised since the fruit probably contains a liver toxin.

Medicine

Rating: 1

Used in the treatment of V.D. by the Australian Aborigines.

VD: Used in the treatment of venereal disease

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Easily grown in most soils. Succeeds in dry soils. This species is not very hardy in mainland Britain, it succeeds outdoors on the Scilly Isles but usually requires greenhouse protection elsewhere.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Consider giving the plants some protection from the cold for their first few winters outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Pot up in the autumn. Good percentage.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

The fruit of this plant probably contains a liver toxin.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

M. diffusum.