Blueberry ash, Fringe Tree, Blue Oliveberry
Elaeocarpus reticulatus

Family: Elaeocarpaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 8-12 m high. It can spread 3-4 m wide. The bark is brown. The leaves are 5-11 cm long by 2-3.5 cm wide. The leaves are glossy and light green. There are shallow teeth along the edge of the leaf. The older leaves often become red coloured before they fall. The flowering stalks are 2-10 cm long. The flowers are 0.6-0.9 cm long. The flowers are bell shaped and deep pink with white fringes. The fruit is blue and fleshy berries. They are 0.8-1.3 cm long.

There are about 360 Elaeocarpus species mostly in the tropics.

Where it is found

It grows from temperate to tropical regions. It needs well drained soil. It can grow in full sun of light shade. It can stand light frosts. It grows on King and Flinders Islands in Tasmania. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. In Adelaide Botanical Gardens hot house. In Melbourne Botanical Gardens. Tasmania Herbarium. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania (country/location of origin), USA

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It can be difficult to grow from seeds and cuttings. Plants can be pruned.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Elaeocarpus cyaneus Aiton ex Sims;