Common Name:

General Information

Billardiera fusiformis is a much-branched, evergreen, climbing shrub usually growing around 2 - 5 metres tall. The sturdy stems scramble over the ground, twining into the surrounding vegetation for support[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is often grown as an ornamental in Australia[].
The plant has often escaped from cultivation, primarily through birds eating the fruit and then spreading the seed. It has become commonly naturalized in southeast Australia[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australia - southern Western Australia

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	3.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Billardiera fusiformis is native to southern Western Australia, though it has become widely naturalized in the warm temperate to subtropical climate of southeastern Australia where it can experience winter frost and snow. It is likely to succeed outdoors in areas where winters are short and mild, with temperatures seldom falling much below -5°c. In colder areas, mulching the roots in winter can provide extra protection for the plant and then, even if the top is cut back by the cold, the planit might resprout from the base[].
Species in this genus generally prefer a moist, well-drained, humus-rich, lime-free soil in sun or semi-shade with a cool root run[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. The fruit is less than 20mm long[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a warm greenhouse as soon as it is ripe. Only just cover the seed. Sow stored seed in early spring in a warm greenhouse. The germination of fresh seed is usually prolific, but stored seed can take a year to germinate[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10 - 12cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame. Fair percentage.
Layering.