Lophomyrtus x ralphii

Physical Characteristics

Lophomyrtus x ralphii is an evergreen Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft) by 3 m (9ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

New Zealand.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[K]. They are sweet and pleasant with a slightly aromatic flavour when they are fully ripe[K]. The fruit is berry about 7mm in diameter containing a number of small but very hard seeds[K]. We have seen plants of the cultivar 'Sundae' still bearing fruit in the early spring.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known