Common Name: Native Currant

General Information

Leptomeria acida is an erect shrub that can grow 150 - 300cm tall[]. The leaves are very small, around 2mm long, and quickly deciduous, most photosynthesis being carried out by the green stems[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. Said to be one of the best native fruits of Australia and well-worthy of cultivation[]. An ornamental plant, sometimes grown in gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Australia - northeastern Victoria, eastern New South Wales, southeastern Queensland

Habitat

Dry sclerophyll forest in sandy soil, often in sheltered sites; coastal districts west to the Blue Mountains[]. Heaths and woodlands, on sandy, infertile soils[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Leptomeria acida is found in the warm temperate to subtropical zones of eastern Australia and is known to experience light frosts in its native habitat[]. It is likely to require hot summers if it is to thrive, but should be capable of surviving occasional temperatures falling to at least -8°c[].
Succeeds in full sun and in light shade[]. An easily grown plant, it is found in the wild on poor, sandy soils[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
The plant fruits regularly and yields are fairly large[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[, , ]. A succulent flesh with an acidic flavour[]. It makes an excellent jam when cooked with an equal weight of sugarThe greenish, sometimes tinged with purple, fleshy, ovoid drupe is around 7mm long[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow in containers in light shade, using a rich, sandy compost and covering the seesa with 10mm of soil. The plants dislike root disturbance so seedlings should be potted up into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle[]. Plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts and consider giving protection in winter for the first year or two[].
Cuttings of the ripened wood will root readily in sand if placed in a frame with bottom heat, but, as a rule, better plants will be obtained from seed[].