Family: Pittosporaceae
Scientific name: Billardiera longiflora
Common name: Purple apple-berry
Origin: Australia

Purple apple berries are edible and resemble (in terms of flavour) to normal apples. They can directly be eaten, fresh from the plant or mixed into e.g. salads. Because of the shining, purple colour, the fruits have a nice appearance. It’s a climber that stays small and originates from the southern part of Australia where the plant grows in cool, damp forests. The plant can be kept as a container plant, because temperatures below -5 degrees Celsius will cause problems. Place the plant in a sunny spot or semi-shade. Also suitable as a greenhouse plant.

Also available in the Oceania seed package!

Sowing description:
Sow the seeds in sowing mix at room temperature. Keep the soil constantly moist.
Germination often occurs within 3 months, but can take longer.

Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: -5 degrees Celcius

Photo 1: Lucia Barabino
Photo 2: Jardin Exotique de Roscoff