Common Name: Winter Apple

General Information

Eremophila debilis is a prostrate, spreading, evergreen shrub growing up to 1 metre tall and perhaps 2 metres wide.
The fruit has been gathered from the wild for local use as a food, but there are reports that it could have long-term toxicity - see notes on known hazards. The plant makes a desirable ground cover and is worthy of cultivation for its flowers, fruits and foliage[].

Known Hazards

The fruit of this plant probably contains a liver toxin[].

Botanical References

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Range

Australia - Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland. Northern New Zealand.

Habitat

Open forests, grassland and dry areas in Australia[, ]. By the coast between Raglan and Kawhia in New Zealand[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Eremophila debilis is found mainly in warm temperate to subtropical areas, but also extending into the tropics. It can tolerate occasional mild frosts, but appreciates the added protection given by growing it under trees[].
Succeeds in full sun and in moderate shade[]. Easily grown in most soils[]. Found in the wild in clay soils[]. Succeeds in dry soils[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, ]. Slightly bitter[]. A pleasantly salty-sweet flavour[]. The fruits are 6 - 8mm long[]. Caution is advised since the fruit probably contains a liver toxin[].

Medicinal

Used in the treatment of V.D. by the Australian Aborigines[].

Agroforestry Uses:

In cultivation, the density of its foliage produces an attractive ground cover plant. The numerous stems have upturned tips and layer (form roots) in the humus beneath[]..

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. 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. Consider giving the plants some protection from the cold for their first few winters outdoors.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame. They normally root within 3 - 4 weeks[]. Pot up in the autumn. Good percentage[].