Rhodomyrtus trineura var. novoguineensis

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 3 m tall. The young leaves are coppery coloured and the older leaves are dark green with a rusty bloom underneath. The flowers are cream and the anthers are yellow. The fruit is yellowish-green.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It occurs at about 2000 m altitude. It has been recorded on Mt Bosavi in the Southern Highlands. It occurs from Maluku in Indonesia to the Islands of Papua New Guinea.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Indonesia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The leaves and fruit have been reported as eaten. CAUTION The fruit of a related plant Rhodomyrtus macrocarpa in Australia have caused blindness when eaten. But fruit of other related plants Rhodomyrtus tomentosa are eaten in other countries

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit

How it is grown

It flowers and fruits most of the year.

Its other names

Local names

Navi-deggedek

Synonyms

Rhodomyrtus novoguineensis Diels;