Apple berry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Apple berry |
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| Billardiera scandens growing in Como | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Billardiera
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| Species: |
scandens
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| Occurrence data from Australasian Virtual Herbarium | |
The Apple Berry (scientific name: Billardiera scandens) is a cool plant found in many parts of Australia. It's also called apple dumpling. This plant is a small shrub or a climbing vine. You can find it growing in forests along the coast and in the higher tableland areas.
Apple berry plants grow in most Australian states and territories. However, they are not found in the Northern Territory or Western Australia. When young, the plant feels soft and silky. As it gets older, its branches become a bit tougher.
The plant produces pretty yellow flowers. These flowers often grow alone or in pairs. They have yellow petals and sepals (the leaf-like parts that protect the bud) that can sometimes look a little pink. The flowers hang down from a hairy stem. In summer, the plant grows oblong-shaped fruits. These berries can be up to 30 mm long. When they first appear, they are green and covered in fine hairs. They look a bit like tiny kiwifruit!
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About the Apple Berry Plant
The Apple Berry is part of the Pittosporaceae plant family. This family includes many different shrubs and trees. The plant's scientific name, Billardiera scandens, was first officially written down in 1793. This was done by a botanist named James Edward Smith. He published his description in a book about Australian plants.
Over time, scientists have learned more about this plant. They found that some plants previously thought to be different species are actually just types of Billardiera scandens. This means the Apple Berry family is bigger than first thought!
What are Apple Berries Used For?
The flowers and fruits of the Apple Berry are popular with both birds and people. The fruits are especially valued as an Australian bush food. This means they were traditionally eaten by Aboriginal people.
Eating Apple Berries
The berries taste best when they are fully ripe. They usually ripen after they fall to the ground. People often say they taste like stewed apples or kiwifruit. Aboriginal people ate the berries when they were ripe. They also sometimes roasted the unripe fruits.
Early European settlers in Australia also discovered these tasty berries. A botanist named Joseph Maiden wrote in 1898 that children in the Port Jackson area had been eating the berries since 1788. He also mentioned that the berries were commonly called "Apple Berry." Children sometimes called them "dumplings" because of their shape. However, he warned that unripe berries could cause a bad, lasting heartburn! So, it's best to eat them when they are fully ripe.
Growing Apple Berry Plants
The Apple Berry is a popular plant for gardens in Australia. Many people like to grow native plants in their yards. The Apple Berry is a good choice because it's a rambling shrub that doesn't take over. It grows well under eucalypt trees and among other native species.
This plant is also grown in gardens around the world. It's easy to grow and take care of. The Apple Berry is quite tough and can handle different conditions. It can survive mild frost, some shade, and even dry periods. However, it grows best when it gets enough moisture. It also doesn't mind different types of soil, including clay.
