Herbert River cherry
Antidesma dallachyanum
Family: Phyllanthaceae
What it is like
A small to medium sized tree. It grows to 6-8 m tall. It spreads 2-4 m wide. Leaves are dark green and glossy. They are 5-10 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. They are oval or sword shaped. The leaf stalks are 4-8 mm long. Male and female trees are separate. Female trees on their own can bear a small amount of fruit. The fruit occur in long currant like clusters. There are 10-30 fruit in a cluster. They are larger than bignay and black or dark purple. Fruit are 2.5 cm across.
There are about 100-170 Antidesma species. The fruit are high in Vitamin C.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows beside streams. It likes deep well-drained soil. It needs a warm, sheltered, frost free site. It is damaged by drought and frost.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), North America, USA
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten fresh and used for jelly, juice and wine.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. They can be grafted.
Plants produce fruit in its sixth year. Fruit matures in 90-150 days.
Its other names
Local names
Currant Tree, Wild Cherry, Woolmi