Real World Gardener Midgen Berry in Plant of the Week

PLANT OF THE WEEK 2 Scientific name:Austromyrtus dulcis Common name: Midgen berry Flowers: white with 5 petals, in spring and summer. Later in cooler districts. Leaves: variable 9-30mm with noticeable oil glands. New growth is covered with silky hairs. Site: part shade to full sun Uses: bush tucker food   Cultivars: Austromyrtus  'Copper Tops." ( A hybrid between A. dulcis and A. tenuifolia.) <p>Here’s a shrub that has not only green leaves but berries that you can actually eat. </p> Let’s find out more…I'm talking with Adrian O’Mally, qualified horticulturist and native plant expert.  The white berries have pale purple spots and a reputedly crunchy with a similar taste to blackberries. I never found that thinking they were more pasty albeit sweet tasting.  The preferred soil is will drained. <ul><li>Midgen berry hedges is a great alternative to murraya hedges. Plant that closer together than the recommendation on the plant tag. Usually half the distance is best.</li> <li>In it's native environment it may grow as a spreading shrub up to 2 m tall. Usually found in sandy soils in heath, scrub or open forests and occasionally on the margins of rainforests. </li> <li>In the home garden 40cm x 1.4m wide</li> <li>Midgen berry copper tops has coppery coloured new growth.</li> </ul>