Decaspermum humile

(Sweet ex G. Don) A. J. Scott

Silky myrtle

Myrtaceae Edible: Fruit 294 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Decaspermum humile, commonly known as the silky myrtle, is a tree from Australia and Asia. It can be used as bush food, as indicated by the alternate common name of currant myrtle. The tree features an attractive dark glossy crown. The new pink leaves with silvery hairs are particularly appealing.

Description

A small tree. It grows 4-8 m tall. It can reach 25 m tall and have a trunk 45 cm across. The trunk is often crooked. The ripe fruit are black. The leaves are 2-8 cm long and 1.5-3 cm wide. The leaves are opposite, entire and oval. The fruit is a round, black berry. It has about 10 seeds.

Edible Uses

The ripe black fruit are eaten raw.

Traditional Uses

The ripe fruit are eaten raw.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Production

It grows slowly.

Synonyms

Decaspermum laxiflorum (Benth.) Domin [Illegitimate]Myrtus sericocalyx C. T. WhiteNelitris humilis Sweet ex D. DonNelitris paniculata var. laxiflora Benth.