Appleberry

Billardiera longiflora

Physical Characteristics

Billardiera longiflora is an evergreen Climber growing to 2.4 m (7ft 10in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Australia - New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw[3, 157, 183]. Aromatic, mealy and pleasant[144]. Remove the seeds before eating the fruit[144]. The fruit does not have a pulp[154] and is dry and boring[K]. The deep blue fruit is up to 25mm long[219].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

The leaves contain saponins. Although poisonous, saponins are poorly absorbed by the human body and so most pass through without harm. Saponins are quite bitter and can be found in many common foods such as some beans. They can be removed by carefully leaching in running water. Thorough cooking, and perhaps changing the cooking water once, will also normally remove most of them. However, it is not advisable to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].