Exocarpus aphyllus
R.Br.
What to Eat
Edible parts: Fruit
Fruit stalk - sweet and palatable when fully ripe, astringent otherwise.
Where to Find It
Australia.
Coming Soon
How to Identify
Exocarpus aphyllus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). It is in leaf all year. 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, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
How to Grow
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in this country. It is likely to require a light well-drained soil and a sunny sheltered position. It is a root parasite, we do not know which species it parasitizes.
Propagation: Seed - we have no information on this species but would recommend sowing the seed in the spring in a warm greenhouse in a pot that contains a suitable host. Sow a few seeds in each pot. Once the seeds have germinated, grow on the plants in the greenhouse for at least their first winter before planting them out by the roots of a mature suitable host.
Medicinal Uses
Treats colds and sores.
