Bolwarra, Copper Laurel, Native Guava
Eupomatia laurina
Family: Eupomatiaceae
What it is like
An evergreen shrub or tree. It grows to 6-10 m high and spreads to 1-3 m across. The bush can be upright or bend over. The stem is erect and sturdy. It is 10 cm across. It has a shrubby crown. The twigs have lines along them and have a large soft pith. The leaves are entire and a rich copper colour when young and become shiny green when mature. They are 5-22 cm long. The leaves have 7-17 pairs of side veins which curve and form a network near the leaf edge. The leaves have a smell when crushed. The flowers are yellow or pale green. The are round in bud and 1-1.5 cm across. The flower stalk can be 2 cm long. The flowers have a sweet scent. The fruit are 2 cm long and urn shaped. They can be 4 cm across and are berries looking like rose hips. They are succulent and pale green. They turn darker green when ripe. They hang singly on stalks produced in the axils of leaves. They contain many very small seeds. The fruit are edible.
There are 2 Eupomatia species.
Where it is found
A tropical and subtropical plant. It does best in rich moist soils. It suits a protected sunny position. It is damaged by drought and frost. It grows in the lowland rainforest. It can grow in full sun or shade. In Papua New Guinea is grows from sea level to 1250 m altitude. It needs well drained soil. It is often along creek banks. In the Cairns Botanical Gardens. It can grow in cooler places and tolerate light frosts. Melbourne Botanical gardens. Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Pacific, Papua New Guinea
How it is used for food
The ripe fruit are eaten raw. The fruit become almost black when fully ripe and then fall. The juice from the fruit can be used for ice cream or yogurt. The seeds are bitter and should be avoided.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
It can be grown from seed or cuttings. The flesh is removed and the seed sown fresh. Seed can be slow to germinate. It can take 1-6 months to germinate. A temperature above 25°C is probably necessary. Flowers are pollinated by beetles.
Plants flower from November to March and fruit from January to June. The fruit fall to the ground when ripe.
Its other names
Local names
Soli