Billardiera scandens
Apple berry | |
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Billardiera scandens growing in Como | |
Fruit | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Apiales |
Family: | Pittosporaceae |
Genus: | Billardiera |
Species: | B. scandens
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Binomial name | |
Billardiera scandens | |
Occurrence data from Australasian Virtual Herbarium | |
Synonyms[1] | |
List
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Billardiera scandens, commonly known as apple berry or apple dumpling,[2] is a small shrub or twining plant of the Pittosporaceae family which occurs in forests in the coastal and tableland areas of all states and territories in Australia, apart from the Northern Territory and Western Australia.[3] It has a silky touch and appearance that becomes more brittle as the dense growth matures. The inflorescence consists of single or paired yellow flowers, pink-tinged yellow sepals and bright yellow petals and is attached to a hairy drooping peduncle. The summer flush produces fruit of oblong berries up to 30 mm long, initially green in colour and covered in fine hair - somewhat akin to a tiny kiwifruit in appearance.[4][5][6]
Taxonomy and naming
Billardiera scandens was first formally described in 1793 by
Uses
The flowers and fruit of apple berry are attractive to both birds and people. The fruits, which only ripen after dropping to the ground, are valued as an Australian
Use in horticulture
Apple berry is a popular choice in Australian gardens, especially those favouring indigenous plants as a rambling yet non-dominant shrub, especially beneath eucalypts and between other native species. The species is also grown in gardens around the world and is easily propagated and maintained. It is an adaptable plant, and will withstand a wide range of conditions, including mild frost, semi-shade and periods of dryness although it performs best in moist conditions. It also tolerates a wide variety of soils, including clay.[10][6]
References
- ^ a b "Billardiera scandens". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
- ^ "Australian Plant Common Names Database". Retrieved 2007-07-13.
- ISBN 0-00-216416-7.
- ^ Conn, Barry J. "Billardiera scandens". Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Retrieved 4 February 2018.
- ^ "Billardiera scandens". Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Retrieved 4 February 2018.
- ^ a b "Billardiera scandens". Australian Native Plants Society Australia. Retrieved 4 February 2018.
- ^ "Billardiera scandens Sm". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government.
- ISBN 0-207-16930-6.
- ^ J. H. Maiden (1889). The useful native plants of Australia : Including Tasmania. Turner and Henderson, Sydney.
- ISBN 0-207-15460-0.
External links
- Media related to Billardiera scandens at Wikimedia Commons