Appleberry, Apple dumpling, Common Appleberry
Billardiera scandens
Family: Pittosporaceae
What it is like
A small woody plant. It has twining branches. The stems can be 3-4 m long. The leaves are thin and sword shaped. They are 3-5 cm long. The edges can be wavy. The upper surface is dull green and the underneath is paler with prominent midribs. The flowers are large and greenish-yellow then turning purple. They are bell shaped and hang downwards. They are 2-5 cm across. Flower stalks are slender and 2.5 cm long. The fruit is 4 cm long and 1 cm wide and green turning yellow when ripe. The fruit are edible.
There are about 25 Billardiera species. They grow in Australia.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It tends to grow in dry woodland. It can grow in coastal scrub or high rainfall forest. It needs well drained soil. It can stand light frost. Tasmania Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The ripe fruit are eaten. They have a flavour like stewed apples. The unripe fruit need to be cooked. For eating fresh the fruit should be very ripe and soft. They can be cooked. It can be used in baked desserts, pies, tarts, muffins and scones.
The fruit are eaten by children.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. The fresh seed with the pulp removed are sown shallowly. They take 8-10 weeks to germinate. Stored seed may take a year to germinate. Cuttings strike easily. Semi ripe cuttings 10-12 cm long with a heel are planted in warm soil. Young stems can be layered to form roots.
Fruit are usually harvested after they have fallen to the ground. They are then very ripe.