Tutu, Wineberry
Coriaria sarmentosa
Family: Coriariaceae
What it is like
A small shrub. The leaves are shiny. The leaves are opposite each other. The flower stalks grow at right angles to the stem. The flowers are in clusters about 30 cm long. The fruit are shiny and black. They hang like strings of black currants. The floral envelope becomes soft and juicy and covers the actual fruit. These soft black petals or envelopes are edible.
There are about 30 Coriaria species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant.
Countries/locations it is found in
New Zealand (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
CAUTION: All plant parts are poisonous except the envelope around the flower. The envelope is used for wine, jams, jellies and pies. (The seeds must be removed.). The juice can be squeezed out by squeezing in a fine cloth.
Edible parts
Fruit, caution