Native currant, Native citrus
Psydrax attenuata

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows to 3 m high. The leaves are oval and taper to the base. The tip is pointed. The leaves are 6.5 cm long by 2.5 cm wide. The flowers are white or cream. They have 5 petals. They are small and in groups in the axils of leaves. The fruit is black and fleshy. It is about 0.5 cm long.

There are about 200 Canthium species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in monsoon forest and open Eucalypt forest. It suits sand hills and plains. It grows from sea level to 800 m altitude. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The fruit are enjoyed although much of the content is seed which cannot be eaten. CAUTION: Large quantities can cause a rash on the lips and tongue. Dried berries can be soaked in water and then eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Canthium attentuatum R. Br. ex Benth.; Plectronia attentuata (R. Br. ex Benth.) C. A. Gardner; Canthium latifolium; ?