Prickly Geebung
Persoonia juniperina
Family: Proteaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It grows 40-50 cm high. It can be 2 m high and spread 0.5-2 m wide. Young growth is light green and hairy. The leaves are 0.8-3 cm long by 0.15 cm wide. They are narrow and alternate. The leaves are bluish green and rigid. They curve in and have sharp tips. The flowers are yellow and like tubes. They are 0.8 cm long. They are yellow. The lobes curl. The flowers are clustered at the base of the leaves, especially at the ends of branches. They have a strong heavy scent. The fruit are berries. They are green or purplish. They are 1 cm long by 0.7 cm wide.
There are about 90 Persoonia species. They grow in Australia. Many have fruit which are edible.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in black peppermint forests. They need acid soils. They can grow in moderately well drained soils and can tolerate soils wet in winter. It can grow in sun or light shade. Hobart Botanical Gardens. Tasmania Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Britain, Europe, Tasmania (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten raw or cooked.
It is a significant food.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. It can be pruned and used as a hedge.
Its other names
Local names
Geebung, Jibbong