Apple-berry (Billardiera scandens, Spec. bot. New Holland 1, t. 1. 1793)

Family: Pittosporaceae

Author: Sm.

Bibliography: Spec. bot. New Holland 1, t. 1. 1793

Year: 1807

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Billardiera

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Queensland to victoria

Description

The Apple-berry, scientifically known as Billardiera scandens, is a charming and resilient plant belonging to the Pittosporaceae family. First described in 1793 by botanist James Edward Smith in the publication “Spec. bot. New Holland 1, t. 1,” this species has captivated botanists and garden enthusiasts alike with its unique characteristics and adaptability.

Native to the temperate regions of southeastern Queensland to Victoria in Australia, the Apple-berry thrives in a variety of habitats, showcasing its tenacity and versatility. It is an evergreen climber that often displays beautifully slender, twining stems, making it a visually appealing addition to gardens and natural landscapes. The Apple-berry is known for its pendulous flowers, which are typically pale yellow to greenish in hue. These blooms, which appear from late winter to early summer, add a soft splash of color to the surrounding foliage.

One of the most remarkable features of the Apple-berry is its fruit. Following the flowering period, the plant produces small, cylindrical berries that mature to a blue or purple shade. These fruits are not only visually attractive but are also edible, offering a mild, apple-like flavor that is delightful when eaten fresh, making them a favored treat among both humans and wildlife.

Billardiera scandens is well-suited to a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils. It can grow in full sun to partial shade, demonstrating a commendable tolerance for different light conditions. This adaptability makes it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add a reliable and attractive climber to their plant collection.

In landscaping, the Apple-berry can be used effectively to cover trellises, fences, or pergolas, providing an elegant and natural screen. Its ability to blend seamlessly into various garden styles, from formal to wild cottage gardens, enhances its appeal.

Overall, the Apple-berry (Billardiera scandens) is a versatile and hardy plant that not only enhances the aesthetic value of a garden but also provides ecological benefits by supporting local wildlife. Its charming flowers and tasty fruits make it a delightful addition to any green space, embodying both beauty and function in the plant world.

Common Names

Eng: apple-berry, apple-dumpling, common appleberry
En: Apple-berry, Apple-dumpling, Common appleberry, Apple Dumplings, Changeable-flowered Billardiera, Climbing Apple Berry, Common Apple-berry, Hairy Apple Berry, Snot berry
Zh: 蘋果莓
Ko: 애플베리

Synonyms

• Billardiera latifolia (Putt.)
• Billardiera scandens var. brachyantha ((F.Muell. ex Klatt) Benth.)
• Labillardiera canariensis (Schult.)
• Billardiera scandens var. sericata (E.M.Benn.)
• Labillardiera scandens (Schult.)
• Labillardiera mutabilis (Schult.)
• Billardiera grandiflora (Putt.)
• Billardiera daphnoides (Knowles & Westc.)
• Billardiera angustifolia (DC.)
• Sollya angustifolia (Lindl.)
• Billardiera brachyantha var. phyllocalyx (Klatt)
• Billardiera canariensis (J.C.Wendl.)
• Billardiera brachyantha (F.Muell. ex Klatt)

Distribution

• New South Wales (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Victoria (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 27, 2022 by Michal Svit (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 19, 2021 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Aug 31, 2019 by that’s someguy (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 19, 2021 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7303912)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:684279-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Billardiera scandens Sm.)

Specifications

Growth