Emu apple
Owenia acidula
Family: Meliaceae
What it is like
A small tree with a single trunk. It grows 4-12 m tall and spreads 4-8 m wide. The crown is dense and rounded. It can occur in clumps with several suckers. The bark is dark grey and rough. The leaves droop. They are 12-16 cm long. The leaves have leaflets along the stalk. The leaflets are 2-4 cm long and 4-9 mm wide. They are dark green. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants. The flowers are tiny and green. They have 5 petals. The fruit are plum-like. They have dark purplish red spots. They are 2-3 cm across. They hang down on long stalks. They contain one hard woody nut with 2-3 seeds.
There are about 6 Owenia species. They grow in Australia.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in tropical Australia. It is more common in arid and semiarid areas. It is hardy to frosts. It needs well drained soils. It can grow in sun or light shade.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The fruit are sometimes buried before eating. They can be used for drinks, juices and jellies.
The fruit are commonly eaten.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
It is grown from seed. The seed are difficult to get to grow. It suckers freely from the roots.
Its other names
Local names
Dillie Boolen, Colane, Gooya, Gruie, Guri, Sour Apple