Author:
Qjure
Book:
Qjurious
Type:
Info
Chapter:
3-666.56.__
Billardiera scandens
English: Apple berry; Apple dumpling; Dumplings.
Region: Western Australia.
Habitat: forests, coastal and tableland areas; tolerant fo mild frost, semi-shade and periods of dryness; prefers moist conditions; tolerates a wide variety of soils, including clay.
Use: flowers and fruit of apple berry are attractive to both birds and people; fruits tasting like stewed apples or kiwifruit for food; ornamental in gardens.
Taxonomy
Billardiera scandens was described in 1793 by James Edward Smith. In 1819 the genus was renamed Labillardiera by Josef August Schultes, but this was later reversed. A cladistic analysis of the genus in 2004 resulted in an expanded circumscription of this species, encompassing B. angustifolia, B. brachyantha, B. daphnoides, B. latifolia and B. canariensis.
Botany
Small shrub or twining plant; silky touch and appearance, more brittle as the dense growth matures.
Inflorescence: single or paired yellow flowers.
Flowers: pink-tinged yellow sepal; bright yellow petals; attached to a hairy drooping peduncle.
Fruit: oblong berries; 3 cm long; initially green; covered in fine hair; like tiny kiwifruit.