Linton's Edible Backyard

Platanillo

Comments: - Fuchsia splendens, locally known as Platanillo is native to cloud forest regions from 6,000-9,000ft in Southern Mexico. The berries can be up to 2 inches, the largest of any Fuchsia species. The fruit are considered to have the best flavour for eating fresh of all the Fuchsia berries, being very juicy and having a lemony flavour with no aftertaste!

Planted: 2019

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Rhino Coffee

Comments: - Kraussia floribunda, known colloquially in Africa as Rhino Coffee, being food for the Black Rhino. Has glossy green foliage and bears edible, sweet tasting, purple fruits. Suitable for pot or container allowing it's beauty to be enjoyed close up.

Planted: 2023

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 5

Acanthostachys Strobilacea

Comments: - The Pinecone Bromeliad is native to Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. It bears red pine-cone like fruit about 2.5cms in length resembling a tiny pineapple. The fruits are edible and are said to have a good taste although I haven't tried them yet. A very tough and cold hardy plant.

Planted: 2021

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Allagoptera arenaria

Comments: - A fruit tree endemic to the Atlantic coast of Brazil, this Sand Palm only grows to 1.8 metres so the fruit will be easy to harvest. The fruit are said to taste superior to those of Butia capitata. Cold hardy down to -3 deg.C.

Planted: 2023

Height 30 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: No

Marubaakigumi Elaeagnus rotundifolia

Comments: -

Elaeagnus umbellata var. rotundifolia, is known in Japan as Marubaakigumi and is a compact form of E. umbellata, or Autumn Olive. The plants are nitrogen fixers and can grow on incredibly poor soil. Exceedingly cold hardy. Bears round red fruit in Autumn.

Planted: 2004

Height 50 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Fragaria chiloensis Pink Panda (Cutting)

Comments: - Fragaria Pink Panda is a hybrid cross between Marsh cinquefoil (Potentilla palustris) and the Beach Strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis). An improved form that is excellent for hanging baskets, it produces pink flowers and edible fruit. 

Planted: 2023

Height 30 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Mirabelle Plum (Grafted)

Comments: - Mirabelle Plum, Prunus domestica subsp. syriaca, was first recorded in France in 1675. Prized for their superb flavour, the small yellow fruits are incredibly sweet and tangy, with a taste of honey. The tree is partially self fertile and requires 500-700 chill hours.

Planted: 2023

Height 3 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Balsam Fir

Comments: -

Abies balsamea - The highly aromatic Balsam Fir.

Deliciously fruity and intense, Balsam Fir tip buds enhance all sorts of savoury dishes and deserts. They have a fruit-like candy flavour with notes of cherry.

Planted: 2022

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Agonandra excelsa

Comments: - Native to Brazil and Argentina where it is locally known as Amay. The spherical fruit are about 2 - 3cm and taste like lime orange with kiwi. Very rare and resistant to frost down to -2 deg.C.

Planted: 2023

Height 10 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Medicine Bush

Comments: - The medicine Bush, Coelospermum reticulatum, a native of Arnhem Land and Cape Your Peninsula, likes full sun to part shade. It bears creamy white flowers followed by globular fleshy berries that are reported as edible. Vision

Planted: 2023

Height 40 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Chrysophyllum viride

Comments: - Native to Misiones Argentina, and Brazil where it is known for it's delicious yellow fruit with exceptional flavour. The fruits are very similar to Abiu but smaller. Reported as cold hardy down to -4 degC.

Planted: 2023

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Dwarf Fire Bush

Comments: -

Hamelia patens Compacta - Dwarf Fire Bush

The small black fruits have an acidic, refreshing taste and in Mexico they are used to make a fermented drink. Can be grown in full sun or part shade but best if protected over winter in Melbourne.

Planted: 2023

Height 50 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Noble Fir Abies procera (Grafted)

Comments: - The young tips of the Noble Fir have sweet, citrus, and grapefruit flavours. The tips are sometimes used to impart a grapefruit flavour to gin. The young unripe pinecones are tender and edible......sweet, citrusy and lots of pine. The texture is like biting into a succulent.

Planted: 2023

Height 50 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Agapetes hosseana

Comments: - Closely related to Blueberries and endemic to the mountains of Northern Thailand. The pearl like berries are edible with a slightly sweet, mild flavour. Well suited to hanging baskets.

Planted: 2022

Height 50 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

First Fruited: 1 Years from purchase in pot

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Pollination: No

Tejocote (Grafted)

Comments: -

Tejocote - Crataegus mexicana

Probably not the best fruit for eating fresh, in Mexico the fruits are boiled in syrup to make a delicious dish. Very hardy in Melbourne, both cold and drought tolerant, pest resistant and not fussy about soil so it is one of the easiest trees there is to grow. 

Planted: 2017

Height 3 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: No

Larix decidua - European Larch

Comments: - Probably the best thing about growing Larix trees is to pickle the tiny petite pinecones called Larch Roses that form along the branches. These mini 'Larch roses' are highly esteemed for picklilng by chefs. Pickled at the right stage, these Larch roses are exquisite and retain their flavour well after pickling. The new shoots of Larch trees can be used to make a sweet and refreshing cordial.

Planted: 2022

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Dwarf Japanese Pine Nut (Grafted)

Comments: - Japanese Stone Pine, Pinus pumila, also known as Siberian Stone Pine, dwarf type of about 2 or 3 metres. Bears cones and hence nuts at a young age and my tree is further enhanced for early bearing by being a grafted plant.

Planted: 2022

Height 50 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Pollination: No

Dovyalis abyssinica x d. hebecarpa - Tropical Apricot

Comments: -

Dovyalis abyssinica x hebecarpa - Tropical Apricot

Produces an orange velvet-skinned fruit about 1 inch diameter with a flavour resembling Apricot. This Hybrid is said to produce the best tasting fruit of all Dovyalis species and is more hardy than other types. Should manage well in our hot dry conditions also.

Planted: 2017

Height 3 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 3

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Epidendrum ibaguense

Comments: - The Crucifix Orchid, Epidendrum ibaguense, is a hardy and easy to grow edible orchid. It's leaves taste just like watermelon when chewed and the edible flowers make a colourful garnish.

Planted: 2023

Height 40 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Yucca baccata Anasazi Supersweet

Comments: - Banana Yucca can produce excellent fruits that taste like banana mixed with sweet potato. The roasted fruit are said to be unbelievably sweet. The plant can withstand temperatures down to -20 deg.C.

Planted: 2021

Height 40 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

New Zealand Pepper

Comments: -

Enjoying a cold drink made from New Zealand Pepper fruit on a hot day.

Macropiper excelsum is just one of several plant species commonly known as New Zealand Pepper. The fruit are quite sweet with a juicy soft pulp and very likeable, but contain numerous tiny black seeds.Unlike most piper species, it is very cold hardy and it grows perfectly and fruits prolifically in Melbourne. 

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 3

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Mammillaria prolifera

Comments: - A type of small cactus that bears tiny pink red berries which have a flavour like strawberries. Can produce multiple crops per year. Perfect for growing in pots.

Planted: 2023

Height 10 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

First Fruited: 1 Months from Purchase in Pot

Pouteria gardneriana - Aguai Guacu

Comments: - Not much information available about this species online. Trying it outdoors to determine if it is cold hardy in Melbourne over winter. When mature, this tree should produce large pear shaped yellow fruit about 6cm long.

Planted: 2023

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Pinkberry - Leptecophylla juniperina (Seedling)

Comments: - Leptecophylla juniperina Tasmanian Pinkberry

Also growing the similar "Mountain Berry" - Leptecophylla juniperina subsp. parvifolia.

Trying to germinate seeds of the larger fruiting Eastern Pinkberry - Leptecophylla divaricata.

Planted: 2017

Height 60 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

First Fruited: 1 Years from purchase in pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: No

Austrocylindropuntia vestita

Comments: -

A small furry cactus covered with white hair. Numerous deep red flowers develop in Spring followed by small edible fruits. Being a compact plant, I find it's best grown in a pot.

Planted: 2022

Height 30 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Chilean Hazel Gevuina avellana (Cutting)

Comments: - The Chilean Hazel is a highly ornamental tree that is said to produce a delicious nut similar to a sweet chestnut. The fruit is also edible. It is self fertile and should prove very hardy in Melbourne.

Planted: 2022

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Capparis sarmentosa

Comments: -

Capparis sarmentosa

A native vinous bush in the Caper family. It produces deep red berries that taste like a cross between a passionfruit and a grape. Easy to propagate from seeds but grows slowly thereafter.

Planted: 2019

Height 30 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 4

Sun/Shade: Full Shade

Yellow Asphodel

Comments: - Asphodeline lutea is a wild harvested vegetable throughout the Mediterranean region. The roots, leaves and flowers are all edible. The flowers are sweet and the roasted roots are popular in Greece. Hardy to -15 deg.C.

Planted: 2023

Height 30 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Freycinetia scandens Climbing Pandan

Comments: - A scrambling vine from the rainforests of Queensland. They need a damp, shaded position and grow well outdoors over winter in Melbourne. Bears bright red edible fruit resembling strawberries.

Planted: 2022

Height 40 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Shade

Flueggea virosa - White Berry Bush

Comments: - The White Berry Bush, Flueggea virosa, is native to Western Australia around Broome. It bears white fleshy edible fruits that taste like peas. Hardy in Melbourne but it is dioecious so male and female plants need to be grown for fruit.

Planted: 2021

Height 50 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Microcachrys tetragona Strawberry Pine

Comments: -

Microcachrys tetragona, the creeping strawberry pine is a low shrub up to 1 metre, native to alpine regions in Tasmania. It is dioecious with the female plants producing edible red berries that look a bit like small strawberries. It seems easy to grow in Melbourne although it may not like the hot summers so it would be best kept in a cool shady position.

Planted: 2020

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 3

Sun/Shade: Full Shade

Parakeelya

Comments: -

Parakeelya is a fairly rare Calandrinia species from the arid desert regions of Western Australia. It has a decorative edible flower. This entire plant was eaten by aboriginal people who valued the crisp white succulent roots. The flowers are great in salads and stir-fries. Watch:

youtube.com/watch?v=uQaqeIhgUSI

Planted: 2023

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Dendrobium speciosum

Comments: -

 One of the easiest orchid species to grow, the Sydney Rock Orchid is found all along the east coast down to Victoria. The starchy stems can be roasted, deep fried or mashed and the flowers can be used as a delightful edible garnish in salads.

Planted: 2022

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Diploglottis diphyllostegia

Comments: - This Northern Tamarind is endemic to Queensland. Produces yellow fruits with an edible aril. Can also be used to make a refreshing drink. 

Planted: 2022

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Muntries

Comments: -

Muntries - Kunzea pomifera. The taste is sweet and fresh, a mixture of green apples and eucalypt.

Planted: 2020

Height 1 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: No

Portulaca Omega Red

Comments: - Portulaca Omega red originated from a remote area 100km east of Broome, W.A. The cultivar has been named P. Omega red to promote it's red colour. The leaves, stems and seeds are all edible. Sturt University has conducted studies on this plant for its health benefits and found it to contain very high levels of anti-oxidants. It is well known that most Portulaca species contain more Omega-3 fatty acids than any other plant source!

Planted: 2023

Height 15 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Salicornia quinqueflora

Comments: -

Another edible marsh plant that falls under the umbrella of Samphire species. This legendary plant has been plated with various names such as Sea Beans and Beach Asparagus and is probably the most commonly utilised Samphire for culinary purposes. It can be eaten fresh in salads, steamed, stir fried or pickled.

Planted: 2023

Height 15 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Cambuí - Myrciaria delicatula

Comments: - Myrciaria delicatula is native to southern Brazil and Argentina so I expect it will exhibit sufficient cold tolerance to grow well in Melbourne.  The tree is highly ornamental and produces orange-red fruit that have a succulent juicy sweet pulp.

Planted: 2022

Height 40 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Santalum obtusifolium - Dwarf Sandalwood

Comments: - The dwarf Quandong tree, Santalum obtusifolium, is a member of the Sandalwood family that occurs along the east coast of Australia. it grows as a small bush, usually about 1 metre, so is ideal for pot culture or where there is limited space. It bears deep purple fruit prolifically which are said to be edible and the seeds appear identical to the more common Sandalwood nuts that are good eating.

Planted: 2023

Qty: 2

Japanese Yam Mukago Potatoes (Seedling)

Comments: - Tiny Mukago Potatoes are the small aerial tubers of Yamaimo, or Japanese Yam plant. Dioscorea japonica also produces a large underground tuber with a sticky white pulp. Both the aerial potatoes and the tuber have a variety of uses in Japanese cuisine such as Mukago Rice which is very simple to prepare. 

Planted: 2019

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 3

Sun/Shade: Full Shade

Myrciaria tenella

Comments: -

Myrciaria tenella is a wild Jaboticaba that bears red skinned fruit with translucent white flesh. Flavour is said to be good, acidic and sweet.It's a small bush to about 2 metres.

Planted: 2022

Height 40 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Quilineja Luzuriaga radicans

Comments: -

Luzuriaga radicans also known as Quilineja

This is a beautiful Chilean climber with delicate white flowers. It produces edible bright-red berries which were once popular in Chile but is rarely seen these days. It is rated as being difficult to cultivate.

Planted: 2020

Height 50 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Full Shade

Aidia racemosa

Comments: -

Aidia racemosa, also known as Archer Cherry, occurs throughout Northern Australia including Queensland and Northern Australia.The bright red fruits are about 1cm long and are best eaten when they turn dark purple.

Planted: 2022

Height 50 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Melodorum leichhardtii - Fruit Salad Vine (Seedling) ^9/10

Comments: -

Melodorum leichhardtii (Zig Zag Vine, Acid Drop or Fruit Salad Vine)

This climber likes some support or it can be pruned to be grown as a shrub. It likes semi shade and well drained soil although I have been growing them in full shade. It belongs to the Annona family and produces edible orange fruit having an orange sherbert flavour. The fragrant flowers are said to smell exactly like the confectionery banana lollies you can buy from the shop.

Very slow growing at first but otherwise very easy to look after and requires virtually no care.

Planted: 2014

Height 2 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Full Shade

Water Given in: Autumn

When I Fertilise: Never

Blackseed Samphire

Comments: - Tecticornia pergranulata can be grown in pots which are then placed in a tray of water with sea salt added. This enables the plant to absorb the salt through it's root system.  There are many recipes online which show how to prepare this useful plant for culinary purposes. Best harvested from early summer.

Planted: 2023

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 3

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Kesambi

Comments: -

Malay Lac Tree - Schleichera Oleosa

The small, plum sized Kesambi fruit of the Malay Lac Tree would probably be one of the most relishing fruit I have tried for a long time. Often grown for it's ornamental value and slow growth lending it to perfect use as a bonsai. 

Planted: 2023

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Pawpaw Banana Lolly

Comments: - The Banana Lolly Pawpaw is a variation from New Zealand where it produces fruit that have a different flavour to all other Asiminas. They are described as tasting like Banana Lollies, the yellow banana shaped candies you used to buy at the local shop as a kid. 

Planted: 2022

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Shade

Caimitillo (Seedling)

Comments: -

Caimitillo fruit - Chrysophyllum oliviforme

The fruit is described as a small purple fruit with sweet white flesh about the size of an olive and can be eaten fresh. It is much hardier than Star Apple as it can tolerate some frost and has been easy to grow outdoors in Melbourne.

Planted: 2016

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Bulbine vagans (Cutting)

Comments: - B. vagans is rarely seen compared to the more common bulbine species. Expect it will produce similar sweet corms that can be harvested all year and are best eaten roasted.

Planted: 2022

Height 30 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Saigon cinnamon - quế thanh

Comments: - Saigon Cinnamon, que thanh, also known as Vietnamese cinnamon, comes from the tree Cinnamomum loureiroi. Despite it's name, Saigon cinnamon actually hails from forests outside Hanoi, Vietnam. It has a unique, strong, sweet, and spicy flavour that is different to the commercially produced cinnamon. The bark, usually harvested from young branches, is used for baking and made into cordial.

Planted: 2021

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Pollination: Self Pollination

Schisandra chinensis - Five-flavour berry

Comments: -

Schisandra chinensis - Five-flavour berry. This one is a bi-sexual plant having male and female flowers on the one plant but produces better if 2 or more are grown. It's deciduous and very cold hardy as it can tolerate some frost. 

Planted: 2019

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Pollination: Hand Pollination

Tasmanian Snow Berry

Comments: - The Snow Berry, Gaultheria hispida, is endemic to the cooler regions of Tasmania so it is best grown in a shady and moist position. The pure white berries are edible with a little sweetness when fully ripe.

Planted: 2022

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Full Shade

Pollination: Self Pollination

Carallia brachiata

Comments: - Carallia brachiata is loving the hot days of summer by producing attractive new flushes of lime green foliage. In Northern Australia, Carallia brachiata is known as the Bush Currant due to the bright red and yellow edible fruit.

Planted: 2022

Height 80 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Princess Persimmon

Comments: -

Princess Persimmon

Diospyros rhombifolia

A beautiful cold hardy persimmon with bright green foliage. It is self fertile and bears amazing small edible orange fruits. 

Planted: 2020

Height 60 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Malvaviscus arboreus

Comments: -

Planted: 2021

Height 50 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Uvilla - Patagonian Wild Currant

Comments: -                 Ribes magellanicum belongs to the currant family and is native to Patagonia (Southern Chile and Argentina). It is very cold tolerant down to -8 degC and can withstand some periods of snow cover. Can grow up to 3 metres and requires some sun for best fruiting.         

Planted: 2022

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Pollination: No

POLANGO - Cycnogeton procerum

Comments: - Cycnogeton procerum (syn. Triglochin procerum), commonly known as water ribbons, is an aquatic plant that can also be grown in a pot as a land plant. It produces a long flower stalk which are followed by small green fruit that are great eaten straight off the plant. The edible tubers are also produced abundantly.

Planted: 2021

Height 60 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Pollination: No

Clove Currant - Ribes odoratum

Comments: - A deciduous shrub which produces red or black berries that usually have a sweet, musky flavour. The flowers can be eaten raw and also have a sweet taste. The leaves can be used to make a tea.

Planted: 2021

Height 60 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Eugenia catharinensis

Comments: - There seems to be little information available about this uncommon Eugenia species. It comes from southern Brazil where there is a tropical dry season. It's growth is shrublike and the fruit are described as having a very good cherry flavour.

Planted: 2021

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Clavija lehmannii - Truffula Tree

Comments: - Small tree that bears bright orange fruit about the size of a golf ball with a creamy edible pulp. It is described as being cool hardy but not frost tolerant so I will keep them in pots so they can be given some protection over winter.

Planted: 2021

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Eugenia squamiflora

Comments: - Eugenia squamiflora, Uvaia brilhante, is said to be one of the best tasting Eugenias. It produces bright orange fruit approx. 4cm and is cold hardy down to 0 deg.C. 

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Shade

Nanchuan Jackfruit (Seedling)

Comments: -

Artocarpus nanchuanensis - Nanchuan Jackfruit

Very rare variety only discovered in 1979 on Golden Buddha Mountain in China where there are less than 100 trees growing in the wild. It seems to exhibit a little more cold hardiness than other Artocarpus species I have tried growing and the plants have come through the last 3 winters when kept with some protection.

Planted: 2015

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Kunzea ambigua

Comments: - Kunzea ambigua is a medicinal plant registered for use in commercially produced pain relief creams. Sweet-scented Kunzea leaves have a fresh, minty aroma that can be used for a tasteful tea or as a zesty flavour in cooking.

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Quandong Tree - Santalum acuminatum

Comments: -

Quandongs are very hardy and tolerant of semi-desert to moist temperate conditions. The bright red fruit are called native peach but are much more acidic. When cooked, the pulp reminds me of rhubarb, both in texture and flavour, and makes a great topping for icecream.                      

Planted: 2022

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 4

Monkey Orange (Seedling) ^10/10

Comments: -

Growing Green Monkey Orange - Strychnos spinosa and Black Monkey Orange - Strychnos madagascariensis.

They are both very hardy of hot, dry conditions and can grow in sand and poor rocky soil. They produce yellow fruits that taste like apricots if dried.

Planted: 2016

Height 2 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Baw Baw Berry (Cutting)

Comments: - Wittsteinia vacciniacea, the Baw Baw Berry, is an ultra rare species endemic to Victoria growing only in a few locations in alpine areas. Tolerant of frost and snow. Has fragrant flowers and edible greenish white fruit.

Planted: 2022

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Dwarf Pawpaw

Comments: - Asimina obovata, along with most other Florida Asiminas, tends to be a smaller plant than the more usual Pawpaw that is grown in Australia. A. obovata is commonly called the Bigflower Pawpaw and grows as a bush or a small tree.

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 3

Pollination: Self Pollination

Comarostaphylis diversifolia

Comments: -

Comarostaphyllis, Summer Holly, is a rare shrub with unique red fruits. The plant is totally drought proof and once established it only needs to be watered once or twice over the entire summer. The fruit is a bright red, juicy drupe with a bumpy skin.

Planted: 2022

Height 10 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Pollination: Self Pollination

Barbados Gooseberry - Tsunya

Comments: - The Rose Cactus, Pereskia aculeata, is also known as Barbados Gooseberry, Lemon Vine or Tsunya. Both the juicy yellow fruit and the fleshy leaves are edible. The plant grows well in Melbourne but so far it has never flowered or fruited here.

Planted: 2017

Height 3 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Terminalia microcarpa

Comments: - Terminalia microcarpa, or Damson, is a very decorative tree from the tropics with highly scented flowers and edible purple fruit. So far the tree has come through winter under shelter while still putting out new growth.

Planted: 2021

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Pollination: Self Pollination

Balsam of Peru

Comments: - Balsum of Peru is a dark coloured resin that comes from the tree Myroxylon balsamun. It is used for medicinal purposes and in cosmetics having the fragrance of vanilla and cinnamon. The tree is hardy in Melbourne.

Planted: 2022

Height 30 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Pollination: Self Pollination

Osteomeles schwerinae

Comments: - Osteomeles schwerinae is a plant in the rose family (Rosaceae) and is native to Western China. It's little white flowers have a perfume like roses, and the purple black fruit is sweet tasting with light pruple juice.

Planted: 2022

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Pollination: Self Pollination

Patagonian Pineapple - Greigia sphacelata

Comments: - Rarely seen in cultivation, the Patagonian Pineapple is a rather rare plant from the forests of southern Chile and is extremely cold tolerant. It produces small fruit called Chupons which combine the flavour of Pineapple, Kiwi and Coconut.

Planted: 2020

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 3

First Fruited: 2 Years from purchase in pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Ananas nana

Comments: - The mini pineapple, Ananas nana, is much more hardy than regular pineapples and can be easily grown outdoors in Melbourne. The tiny fruit taste similar to normal sized pineapples, just a pity there's not more flesh to enjoy. They prefer a lot of sun and are drought tolerant, but produce the best fruit when watered weekly during the warmer months.

Planted: 2021

Height 80 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Berchemia zeyheri

Comments: -

PINK IVORY

LATIN: BERCHEMIA ZEYHERI

A very drought hardy tree native to southern Africa. The fruits are delicious and are usually eaten fresh or stored in containers. The sticky, sweet, dried fruits can last for several months without any processing and can be eaten later. 

Planted: 2020

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Pollination: Self Pollination

Eugenia minutifolia – Yellow Cherry

Comments: - Commonly known as Yellow Cherry, Eugenia minutifolia comes from the island of  Santa Catarina and was only introduced into cultivation in 2010. The orange yellow fruits are juicy with a sweet-sour flavour up to 2.5cm.

Planted: 2022

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Pollination: Self Pollination

Plinia phitrantha - Esalq

Comments: - The Esalq Plinia produces large red fruits 3-4cm with large seeds and excellent sweet flavour. The trees are heavy producers and can fruit year round. Fruiting starts at 4 - 7 years old.

Planted: 2021

Height 60 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Kadsura coccinea (Seedling) ^8/10

Comments: -

Kadsura coccinea, Na rung, a fast growing and hardy climber from Vietnam and China where the fruit are harvested from vines growing in the wild. The fruits are usually red skinned but can be other colours as well. Best grown in shade as it does not like strong sun. Otherwise, very easy to look after and requires little care.

Planted: 2015

Height 3 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 3

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: Hand Pollination

Guapomó - Salacia elliptica

Comments: - Native to Brazil, Guapomo is not often cultivated due to it's exceedingly slow growth. Produces a large fruit up to 7cm with a sweet pulp. Hardy in Melbourne but slow growing.

Planted: 2020

Height 60 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Pollination: Self Pollination

Eugenia Anthropophaga

Comments: - Uncommon species recently discovered in north-eastern Brazil and classified as highly endangered. Can flower within 3 years and the yellow elongated fruit are sweet and said to taste like passionfruit.

Planted: 2022

Height 25 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Honey Heart Cherimoya

Comments: - Honey Heart are the earliest of the Cherimoyas to ripen, as early as December. Honey Heart fruit are very sweet and considered to be the juiciest. It has large sized fruit and is best for making drinks.

Planted: 2021

Height 3 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Pollination: Self Pollination

Tanaka - Giant Fruit TANAKA LOQUAT

Comments: - Named after Dr. Yoshio Tanaka, this variety produces remarkable sized fruit with excellent flavour and little acidity. The ratio of flesh to seeds is exceptional and the fruit have an extended keeping quality. The Tanaka Loquat tree is highly productive and said to be one of the best Loquat fruit varieties available.

Planted: 2020

Height 2 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Pollination: Self Pollination

Streptopus amplexifolius

Comments: -

Watermelon berry

Grows to about 1 metre and produces oval red berries about 1.5 cm long. Grows best in full shade or semi shade. The berries are juicy with a cucumber flavour and young shoots can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like asparagus. A multipurpose plant that originates from North America, Alaska and Greenland.

Planted: 2018

Height 60 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Full Shade

Mahonia napaulensis

Comments: -

A close relative of the Oregon Grape, Mahonia napaulensis is native to the Himalayas - Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim and Assam. The yellow flowers have a delicate sweet fragrance and can be used to prepare a lemonade like beverage. The purple fruit can be eaten fresh or dried like raisins. They can also be used to make a rich purple syrup that is delicious on icecream.

Height 60 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Pollination: Self Pollination

Rusty Plum Niemeyera whitei

Comments: - A rare and vulnerable rainforest species from northern NSW and SE Qld. Bears large globular purple black fruit up to 5cm with pink edible flesh. Very hardy and easy to grow in Melbourne.

Planted: 2020

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Shade

Pollination: Self Pollination

Bomarea edulis - Salsilla

Comments: - Salsilla is a very hardy climber from Mexico and south to the Andes and Chile. It is often harvested from the wild for the sumptuous tubers which are sold in local markets. The tubers are cooked before eating and the creamy pulp is described as having a light and delicate flavour. They like shady conditions, are not tolerant of heat and prefer a cool humid environment. During winter, the tubers can withstand temperatures down to minus 15 deg. C.

Planted: 2019

Height 2 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

First Fruited: 2 Years from purchase in pot

Sun/Shade: Full Shade

Euclea crispa - Blue Guarri (Seedling)

Comments: -

Euclea crispa Blue Guarri

Euclea crispa is a very hardy, drought resistant, small evergreen tree has a white stem and beautiful blue-green or olive-green leaves.It's rated as having good frost resistance to several degrees below freezing. It bears delicious edible black berries.

Planted: 2020

Height 25 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Melicytus dentatus

Comments: - The Tree Violet, Melicytus dentatus, is native to the southern states and can be found growing in reserves around Melbourne. In spring, the trees are covered in pale yellow bell shaped flowers that release a beautiful violet scented perfume. These are followed by small rounded purple grey berries.

Planted: 2021

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Tyalgum Purple Epiphyllum

Comments: - Tyalgum Purple is an extremely cold tolerant epiphyllum hybrid. The fruit contain a crisp spoonable flesh that is evocative of dragonfruit but with a stronger flavour and higher bix rating than dragonfruit. This plant is much more hardy than dragonfruit and being shade tolerant does not require full sun to set  fruit. I grow them in dry sandy soil in full shade.

Planted: 2020

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 3

First Fruited: 2 Years from purchase in pot

Sun/Shade: Full Shade

Pollination: Self Pollination

Wasabi - Mazuma (Cutting)

Comments: -

Wasabi Plant - Eutrema japonicum

Very easy to grow in Melbourne provided it is kept in full shade over summer. Doesn't like strong sun and soil should be kept moist. Suitable for growing in pots and kept under trees for shade. Both the rhizomes and leaves are delicious used as condiments and in salads.

Planted: 2014

Height 40 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 3

Sun/Shade: Full Shade

Pollination: No

Cocapitos

Comments: -

Passiflora bryonioides - A rare species of Passiflora from arid mountains of Mexico where it is adapted to desert areas, also known as Pasionaria del monte. The vine grows to about 2 metres and can fruit prolifically in pots. The fruits are 2-3cm, remain green even when ripe and are filled with a sweet juicy pulp.

Planted: 2017

Height 30 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Full Shade

Dwarf Rowan (Cutting)

Comments: - DWARF ROWAN

While most Sorbus species are quite large trees, this dwarf variety from Sichuan, China, only grows to about 1metre. It produces pink edible berries with bright purple foliage in Autumn.

Planted: 2020

Height 50 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 3

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pollination: Self Pollination

Koorka - Indian Potatoes (Plectranthus rotundifolius)

Comments: -

Strangely, this plant is called Chinese Potato even though it comes from India where it is very popular in a wide array of dishes. The plants die back as winter approaches at which time the appetising tubers, known in India as Koorka, can be harvested. They can be roasted or stir fried and there are many recipes online. 

Planted: 2015

Height 50 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

First Fruited: 1 Years from purchase in pot

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Mountain Sapote - Diospyros Riojae

Comments: -

 Mountain Sapote - Diospyros Riojae

Small tree from Mexico with fruits that are a bit smaller than the usual Black Sapote but are said to have good flavour.

Planted: 2017

Height 2 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Shade

Water Given in: Spring

Pig Nut - Bunium bulbocastanum

Comments: -

Earth Chestnut, Pig Nut. The whole plant is edible includng the tuber like roots which are sweet, delicious and taste like chestnuts. The leaves can be used like parsley. The fruits and seeds, sometimes known as black cumin, can be dried and used as a spice in cooking. The plant is very frost hardy.

Height 30 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 3

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Chiranthodendron pentadactylon

Comments: -

 Also known by the local name of Macpalxochitl, it has striking crimson flowers shaped like a hand. The fruit are woody with an earthy taste, and have long been used for traditional medicine in Mexico. The leaves are also used to wrap tamales adding a disctintive flavour.

The flower cup contains several tablespoons of sweet syrup with a flavour reminiscent of burnt caramel/sugar. The copius amounts of sugary liquid have been described by some as "the nectar of the gods". A very cold hardy tree in Melbourne.

Myrica faya (Seedling)

Comments: -

Planted: 2017

Height 3 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Yellow Grumichama (Seedling)

Comments: - Yellow Grumichama, Eugenia brasiliensis Ssp. leucocarpus, variegated. It's supposed to be the only true variety of yellow fruiting Grumichama as other types tend to revert to having the more usual black fruit. The yellow variety is said to have superior flavour to the blacks. Very slow growing.

Planted: 2017

Height 50 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Cornelian Cherry

Comments: -

Cornus mas grows well in Melbourne being resistant to both frost and heat. It can fruit while still young at less than 1 metre. When the tree matures it bears hundreds of bright red berries that have an intense flavour similar to cranberries. If left to ripen until soft, the fruit becomes sweet and can be eaten fresh. Great for syrup and sharbat too! I grow 2 of the cultivars, Elegant and Jolico which produce superior fruit.

Planted: 2020

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Boehmeria nivea

Comments: -

Ramie Herb, Boehmeria nivea, spice plant frm Vietnam called Cay La gai.

When cooked the leaves become dark and mucilaginous. They are used as a herbal tonic, in cakes and other foods. It is very popular for making sweet rice cakes known as Banh it la gai that are considered a delicacy in central Vietnam. Fast growing in a large pot and very easy to grow.

Planted: 2019

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Pollination: Self Pollination

Porcelia nitidifolia

Comments: -

 Porcelia nitida - A somewhat obscure large tree in the Annona family native to Peru. The rare fruit of this tree is described as having a sweet creamy pulp. So far the plant is surviving well under cover over Melbourne's winter which suggests that it may have some cold tolerance. 

Planted: 2021

Height 40 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Prunus spinosa Sloe Plum (Grafted)

Comments: -

The fruit are usually used to make Sloe Gin which takes about 6 months to fully steep.I prefer to use them to make a rich plum flavoured syrup which can be added to desserts, cakes and drinks.

Planted: 2020

Height 50 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Ming Aralia - Đinh lăng

Comments: -

Planted: 2021

Height 50 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Sapindus mukorossi Soap Nut

Comments: -

Sapindus mukorossi - Soap Nut Tree, Chinese Soap Berry. Survives winter in Melbourne well since it's deciduous. The leaves regrow rapidly at the end of winter and the tree grows rapidly over the warmer months.

Planted: 2020

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Kaffir Plum (Seedling)

Comments: -

Kaffir Plum - Harpephyllum caffrum. A small hardy tree from South Africa that does well in Melbourne. It produces sweet and sour fruit and is best eaten by squeezing the delicious juicy pulp from the thin skin straight into the mouth. Great for making lemonade too!

Planted: 2021

Height 10 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Fukien Tea - Carmona retusa

Comments: -

The fukien tea plant, carmona retusa, prefers warm climates and needs to be brought indoors over winter. does not like strong sun and should not be overwatered. the fresh leaves can be used to make a delightful beveridge similar to green tea and it produces tiny edible cherry-like berries.

Planted: 2020

Height 50 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

First Fruited: 1 Years from purchase in pot

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Lemonade Berry Rhus Integrifolia

Comments: - Rhus integrifolia is an extremely drought tolerant plant native to California. While a few Rhus species can be used to make lemonade, R. integrifolia is the only true Lemonade Berry. It produces pink berries that are steeped in water to make a refreshing lemonade flavoured drink.The roasted berries can be used as a coffee substitute.

Planted: 2020

Height 30 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 3

Osmanthus fragrans Aurantiacus

Comments: -

The Fragrant Olive Shrub produces clusters of tangerine flowers in Autumn to Winter. They have the most beautiful strong perfume that smells like apricots. The flowers are used in China to make a fragrant tea as well as in cakes and jellies. The fruits lok like small olives and can be pickled in the same way as olives.

Planted: 2021

Height 60 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Catalina Cherry (Seedling)

Comments: -

The Catalina Cherry, Prunus ilicifolia, ssp. lyonii, is native to Catalina Island off the coast of California. Unlike commercial cherries, this species is evergreen and drought hardy. The intensely sweet fruit are larger than normal cherries but the seed is also large leaving a thin layer of succulent flesh to enjoy. It is considered a great delicacy!

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Malacocarpus crithmifolius

Comments: -

Malacocarpus crithmifolius is a rare plant from Central Asia. It produces red berries that are described as being tasty and of good eating quality.

Planted: 2020

Height 15 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 3

Parmentiera cereifera - Candle Tree (Seedling)

Comments: - A rare species of Candle Tree from Central America that is closely related to Parmentiera edulis. It produces long candle-like fruit about 12 inches long that are sweet and juicy. Grows easily outdoors in Melbourne and requires very little care. 

Planted: 2017

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

GUAPIJUIM~ Eugenia cereja

Comments: -

Guapijuim is native to the dry regions of central Brazil. It produces juicy, acidic, and elongated crimson fruit. A small tree that grows 2-4 metres and is easy to grow in Melbourne being hardy to -5 deg.C.

Planted: 2020

Height 60 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Geissanthus vanderwerffii

Comments: -

Charmalon - Geissanthus vanderwerffii

The Charmalon is a small evergreen tree native to the cloud forests in Colombia and Ecuador between 2300 and 3400m. It produces edible fruits and is considered to have good potential as a fruit tree that can be grown in cool temerate climates. 

Planted: 2020

Height 30 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Variegated Akebia Hybrid

Comments: -

An unusual variegated form of the hybrid Akebia trifoliata x longeracemosa x quinata. Akebias have fragrant flowers that smell like chocolate. They are not self fertile and several plants need to be grown if they are to bear fruit. 

Planted: 2020

Height 50 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Gomortega keule (Seedling)

Comments: -

Gomortega keule

A large tree native to Chile that is facing extinction in the wild. The fruit of the Keule tree are said to be one of the most endangered fruit in the world. My trees have been growing slowly but steadily for the past few years and have now been planted in the ground. The require very little attention.

Planted: 2015

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Crataegus anomala Zbigniew (Seedling)

Comments: -

Planted: 2020

Height 30 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Cinnamomum burmannii

Comments: -

Also known as Indonesian Cinnamon, this is one of the 4 main species where the bark is used for cinnamon spice. It can be readily grown in Melbourne and besides the bark, the leaves can be used to make a fragrant tea. Cinnamon trees also bear small purple black fruits which can be used like the bark. The cinnamon berries can be added to a pepper mill and keep their flavur right up until they're ground. 

Planted: 2017

Height 3 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 3

Sun/Shade: Full Shade

Soh-Shang Tree (Seedling)

Comments: -

SOH-SHANG (ELAEAGNUS LATIFOLIA)

Originates from the foothills of Northern India and Assam. It's a very tough plant, both cold hardy and drought hardy, needing very little care once established. Slow growing to start off with but once it reaches a certain size, the growth rate accelerates rapidly.

The reddish fruit need to be fully ripe before it can be eaten fresh but E. latifolia produces better tasting fruit than some of the other Elaeagnus species.

Planted: 2017

Height 2 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Carissa ovata – Currant Bush

Comments: -

Carissa ovata Kunkerberry

Native shrub related to the Natal Plum, Carrisa Ovata grows to about 1 - 2 metres and bears sweet, black, egg shaped berries. It's very hardy being drought tolerant and easy to grow in Melbourne.

Planted: 2019

Height 60 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Full Shade

Peumus boldus Boldo

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 4

Question:

 Peumus boldus - Molina

Commonly known as boldo. This tree of the family Monimiaceae is natively endemic to the central region of Chile.

Although not well known, the yellow green Boldo fruits, are sweet and aromatic and claimed to be highly nutritious. Very hardy tree and easy to grow in Melbourne.

Zanthoxylum simulans (Seedling)

Comments: -

Zanthoxylum simulans

Chinese Pepper, Sichuan Pepper

A very easy tree to grow which bears the spicy hot berries known as Sichuan peppercorns while the tree is still small. It is self fertile and yields the berries on a single tree. Many recipes for this spice can be found online. The leaves are highly fragrant with an intense citrus aroma.        

Planted: 2020

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Bolivian Lucuma (Seedling)

Comments: - The Bolivian Lucuma has long narrow leaves and bears fruit that are said to have superior flavour. My tree was grown from seeds that came from Bolivia and has just started flowering this year. It produces fruit that remain green even when ripe.

Planted: 2017

Height 2 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Uvaia - Eugenia Pyriformis

Comments: -

Eugenia Pyriformis also known as Uvaia

Very slow to start with, the seedlings are still tiny after 1 year. The large bright yellow orange fruits are much prized in Brazil. 

Planted: 2017

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Pineapple Berry

Comments: - Alpine plant that produces edible sweet and juicy red oblong berries. Grows best in cool, damp or wet conditions in full shade.

Planted: 2020

Height 30 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Kahikatea - Dacrycarpus dacrydioides

Comments: - The colorful fruit known as Kahikatea Berries which are produced by Dacrycarpus dacryiodes. The tree is a conifer native to New Zealand and is dioecious.

Planted: 2020

Uva Camarona - Macleania rupestris

Comments: -

Macleania rupestris

Common Name: Uva Camarona

From the cloud forests of the Andes from Costa Rica to Bolivia between 1700 and 4300 metes, this species easily adapts to temperate climates. It produces sweet fruits similar to blueberries but is rarely seen outside of its native habitat.

Planted: 2020

Height 50 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Lindera benzoin Northern Spicebush (Seedling) ^9/10

Comments: -

North American Spicebush Lindera benzoin

A wonderful plant with multiple uses it makes a great alternative in temperate climates to the Jamaican All Spice and is a much smaller and manageable bush. It produces red berries the size of an olive which can used as a warm yet refreshing spice with a flavour similar to All Spice.  The leaves and berries can be eaten raw or cooked and used as a spice or to make a fragrant tea. The twigs can be ground and sprinkled over icecream.

Planted: 2020

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 5

Cenarrhenes nitida 'Native Plum'

Comments: -

Cenarrhenes nitida 'Port Arthur Plum'

A native of Tasmania, it's a large bush or small tree that  produces a fleshy plum-like fruit. Unsure of how long they take to reach fruiting age. The plant is intolerant of phosphate so I have avoided giving it any fertiliser. Seems to be growing well so far in a semi-shaded position.

Planted: 2017

Height 60 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Leionema montanum

Comments: -

Leionema montanum, formerly known as Phebalium montanum, is a beautiful low bush or ground cover that grows in alpine regions. The leaves have a piquant but pleasing flavour reminiscent of a savoury herb. It imparts an enticing addition to salads and potato salad.

Planted: 2020

Height 30 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Chinese Bird Plum (Cutting)

Comments: -

Although sometimes reported as deciduous, this plant has remained evergreen throughout Winter with continuous new flushes of growth . The small purple-black fruits are commonly eaten in China and some say that the leaves also have a plum scent. Easy to grow in Melbourne with little care required. Will be great if it can fruit here as it is another highly underutilised fruit.

Planted: 2017

Height 30 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Snottygobble

Comments: - Snotty gobble, or Persoonia longifolia, is the name of a small tree in WA with a thin trunk branches, papery red/brown bark and an edible, sweet, sticky fruit. It bears unusual orange flowers which are followed by yellow green jellybean berries that were eaten by the indigenous people of the area. There are conflicting reports describing the flavour of Snottygobble fruit, some claiming that they taste insipid while others state the fruit is very tasty.The best taste description that I have read states: 'Snottygobble fruits: Imagine a small seed wrapped up in an apricot, enclosed by a bitter skin. Sounds delicious right?'

Planted: 2019

Height 40 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Anamea Scorpio ^5/10

Comments: -

Anamea Scorpio - Minature Pineapple

Anamea Scorpio
Ananas X Aechmea

 "cv. of unknown hybrid of Ananas & Aechmea."

Edibility of fruit unknown. 

Planted: 2016

Height 30 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: No

Agapetes Serpens ^9/10

Comments: - Agapetes serpens is a beautiful plant with arching stems and hanging red tubular flowers. It produces edible purple berries that are a bit like its relative Blueberries but I find the Agapetes berries even sweeter with a white flesh when fully ripe. Very easy plant to grow and quite drought tolerant as it also produces a lignotuber that stores moisture.

Planted: 2019

Height 50 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

First Fruited: 1 Years from purchase in pot

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Holboellia latifolia

Comments: -

Cold hardy vine from the Himalaya that produces deep pink sausage fruits which are pulpy and edible. It can fruit within 3 years and it's best to plant 2 plants together to assist with pollination. Quite rare in cultivation in Oz.

Planted: 2018

Height 1.2 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Amelanchier asiatica Ballerina (Grafted)

Planted: 2017

Height 3 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Question: Snowy Mespilus native to China, Japan and Korea. Highly ornamental and a very hardy tree to cold and wet. The flower petals are long and slender and now hoping for some of the sweet and juicy blue black berries to form.

Aboirana (Seedling)

Comments: -

ABOIRANA

Pouteria venosa

 A little known Brazilian Sapote that produces brown skinned fruit with pale yellow flesh. This one is said to be a sweeter version. Has withstood the first winter in Melbourne with no problems so it seems to exhibit some cold hardiness.

Planted: 2019

Height 30 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Manzanita Sugar Berries

Comments: - Manzanita Arctostaphylos paradices

Very drought hardy small tree that can tolerate extreme dryness. Produces small fruits known as sugar berries that can be eaten fresh or used to make Manzanita Sugar. To make the sugar, you simply dry the berries and put them in a coffee grinder.

Planted: 2018

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Cyphomandra Sibundoyensis

Comments: - Cyphomandra Sibundoyensis - Forest Tamarillo

Height 30 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Guabiroba

Comments: -

Campomanesia lineatifolia

Guabiroba

Growing in a pot and kept under cover in the cooler months. It originates from tropical regions in Peru but is claimed to be hardy to a wide range of climates including cooler zones. Produces fruit that a little similar to guava.

Planted: 2018

Height 30 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Fuchsia boliviana ^9/10

Comments: -

Fuchsia boliviana - Bolivian Fuchsia

Compact weeping bush with dramatic pendulus red flowers and clusters of hanging sausage shaped fruits. The sweet tasting purple fruits look like jelly beans when ripe and are sold in markets in Bolivia. The flowers are also edible and can be candied.

A very hardy plant that thrives on neglect. It produces several crops per year.

Fruiting Months January, June, November

Planted: 2011

Height 1 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 2

First Fruited: 1 Years from purchase in pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: No

Diospyros Lycioides - Red Star Apple (Seedling) ^6/10

Comments: -

Diospyros Lycioides  "Monkey Plum"

This small growing tree to 5 metres has multiple uses. The red or yellowish-red fruit are said to have a pleasant sweetish taste with a translucent jelly-like flesh. The seeds can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute.

It was easily propagated from seed and is hardy in Melbourne's conditions.

Planted: 2016

Height 50 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Autumn

Crataegomespilus (Grafted)

Comments: -

The variety I'm growing is Crataegomespilus grandiflora. It's a small tree with beautiful flowers and small fruits. 

'This very uncommon pairing of two genera: Crataegus (Hawthorn) ; Mespilus (Medlar) produces a tree with the lovely flower clusters of hawthorn followed by the fruit (though somewhat smaller) of a medlar!'

Planted: 2016

Height 2 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

First Fruited: 2 Years from purchase in pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

West Indian Fiddlewood (Seedling)

Comments: - CITHAREXYLUM SPINOSUM - FIDDLEWOOD TREE
A tropical ornamental that also grows readily in Melbourne. It makes an unusual sight when the leaves turn bright orange in early Spring. Produces racemes of small but musky sweet edible berries even when the tree is still tiny.

Planted: 2018

Height 40 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Aphananthe philippinensis

Comments: -

Native Elm - Aphananthe philippinensis

Very hardy to dry conditions. Amazing leaves that look like holly. It produces yellow fruit that are said to taste like stewed apples.

Planted: 2017

Height 50 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

ASSAM APPLE (Docynia indica) (Seedling) ^7/10

Comments: -

Assam Apple

The Assam Apple is a native to the Eastern Himalayas, it can be found from Nepal to China. It is commonly called an apple, the fruit being round and yellow green and look like apples, but it is also related to the quince.

It is a small tree, 2 - 3m tall and the fruits can be eaten fresh. However it is said to be not very cold hardy, although I don't think it will have any problem to grow in Melbourne. It could possibly also grow well in warmer regions where normal apples or quinces might struggle.

Planted: 2016

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 6

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Mayapple - "Podophyllum peltatum" ^5/10

Comments: -

Mayapples grow from rhizomes and can be grown in full shade. I have had them for nearly 1 year but no fruit yet.

The fruit form underneath the palmate leaves and look and taste like passionfruit when fully ripe.

Planted: 2015

Height 20 Centimetres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 4

Sun/Shade: Full Shade

Water Given in: Summer

Passiflora gracilens

Comments: -

Passiflora gracilens - Dwarf Passionfruit

A miniature passionfruit vine from the high Andes of Bolivia and Peru. It grows to about 1 - 2 metres and produces sweet tangy green to orange fruit 2cm long.

Planted: 2017

Height 0.5 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Ogeechee Lime

Comments: -

Ogeechee Lime - Nyssa ogeche

North American Tulepo Tree that produces edible fruits that can be used as a substitue for limes. Seeds were easy to germinate. It is a large tree that grows along river banks so it might not be suitable for most gardens.

The fruit is produced in small clusters of 2 - 3, it is up to 4 centimeters long, has a thick, juicy, very acidic flesh and contains a single seed.It can also be used to make a refreshing drink.

Planted: 2017

Height 15 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Disterigma alaternoides Neotropical Blueberry

Comments: -

Disterigma alaternoides

- a  Neotropical Blueberry

Originates from higher elevations in Central and South America. The fruits are sometimes sold in markets in Ecuador. Grows into a bush up to a few metres high so would probably make a good hedge. My plants have not yet fruited but expect they may take another year or two before fully mature.

Planted: 2017

Height 40 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Kens Red Hardy Kiwi Berry (Cutting) ^9/10

Comments: -

Kens Red Kiwi Berry

Actinidia arguta x melanandra

Said to have the best flavour of all the Kiwi fruit varieties. Very sweet with the largest fruit, it is also the only low chill hardy kiwi in the world and can fruit in a wide range of climates.

Was slow to start but after one year it took off and has now climbed the fence. The main problem is finding a suitable male pollinator that will flower at the same time.

Planted: 2015

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Brosimum gaudichaudii

Comments: -

Brosimum gaudichaudii

Mama Cadela - Local Name (Brazil)

Think it's a relative of the Mulberry Family and is a small tree that grows 2 - 8 metres in sandy soils. It produces round Mulberry like fruit about 4cm in diameter. Have yet to determine it's hardiness over Winter.

Planted: 2017

Height 15 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 3

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Maihuenia poeppigii (Cutting)

Comments: -

Maihuenia poeppigii

This is the only cactus species I am growing. It originates from Chile and is one of the few cacti that can tolerate wet and cold conditions, hardy to minus 15 deg. C and even grows in snow.

The plant forms a low mat and produces large edible fruits. It can begin fruiting in just 2 or 3 years which is much faster than most other cacti. 

Planted: 2016

Height 10 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Zoom out to see people near Linton