Beach bird’s eye, Soap Berry, Beach Alectryon
Alectryon coriaceus
Family: Sapindaceae
What it is like
A small to large shrub. It grows 2-6 m tall and spreads 2-5 m across. The small branches are often hairy. The leaves are oval and leathery. The new leaves are shiny and coppery bronze. They are 4-15 cm long and 2-4 cm wide. The flowers are small. They are in groups 5-20 cm long. The fruit is a 3 lobed capsule 5-7 mm long by 5-12 mm wide. The red and green seeds are edible.
There are 15-34 Electryon species.
Where it is found
It grows in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate locations. It suits moist well drained soils and can grow on dry soils. It can grow in full sun or light shade. It is sensitive to drought and frost. Adelaide Botanical Gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), Indonesia, SE Asia
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit aril
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from fresh seed or from cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Alektrion pantai, Semak mata burung