Midjin, Midjimberry, Midgen Berry, Quaker’s Cherry
Austromyrtus dulcis

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A ground cover plant. It forms mounds. It grows 30-60 cm high and spreads 1-2 m wide. The young shoots are reddish. The leaves are 1-3 cm long by 0.5 cm wide. They are oval or sword shaped. The leaves are bronze coloured. The flowers are 1 cm across. The flowers are white and occur singly but in fluffy masses. The fruit is a berry. It is about 1 cm across. The fruit are brownish-white with black dots. The fruit are edible.

There are 14 Austromyrtus species. They occur in Australia.

Where it is found

A tropical and subtropical plant. It can grow from tropical to temperate climates and in semiarid regions. It can tolerate light frosts. It needs moist well drained soil or dry soil. It can grow in full sun or light shade. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. Geelong Botanical Gardens. Coffs Harbour Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The fruit are used for jam, desserts, pies, ice cream, and yoghurts. They can also be eaten raw

It is popular.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from cuttings or seed. Fresh seed germinate in 21-28 days. Stored seed take longer to germinate and probably should be soaked before planting. It should be pruned regularly.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Possibly now Gossia Myrtus dulcis C. T. White; Myrtus tenuifolia var. latifolia Maiden & Betche;