Hairy psychotria, Rough leaf psychotria
Psychotria loniceroides

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

An untidy shrub. It grows 5 m tall. The new twigs are very hairy. The leaves are simple and 3-14 cm long by 1-5 cm wide. Both sides have velvety hairs. The flowers are in groups in the axils of leaves or at the ends of branches. The flowers are 4-7 mm across. They have 5 white petals. The fruit are fleshy and can be cream, green, yellow or grey-brown. They are 3 mm long. They are carried in bunches.

There are about 1500 Psychotria species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In tropical Queensland it grows from sea level to 1080 m altitude. It grows in open forest and is best in moist, sheltered hollows and gullies. Melbourne Botanical gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The fruit is edible but it can irritate the throat.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh seed. They are slow to germinate. It can also be grown from cuttings but these are slow to strike.

Its other names

Local names

Mapoon bush

Synonyms

Psychotria loniceroides var. typica Domin; Uragoga lonicerodes (DC.) Kuntze;