Leichhardt’s Bread-Tree, Bread-Tree of the Lynd, Breadfruit tree
Gardenia vilhelmii

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A small to tall shrub. It grows 2-7 m high and spreads 1-2 m wide. The young shoots are sticky and shiny. The bark is smooth with powdery flakes. This gives it a mottled appearance. The stems are stiff and woody and brittle. The leaves are 1.5-3 cm long and 1-1.5 cm wide. They are oval and thin textured. They are clustered at the ends of branches and are dark green. The flowers are 1.5 cm across. They are white with a green tube. The flowers have a scent. The flowers occur singly on the ends of short shoots. The fruit is fleshy with a hard stone. It is 1-2 cm across. It is nearly round and green but turns yellow when ripe. The fruit is edible.

There are about 200 Gardenia species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in open situations near streams. It is often on sandy soils. It can loose its leaves during the dry season. It grows from sea level to 600 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. The seed should be sown while fresh.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Gardenia edulis F.Muell;