Elaeocarpus obovatus

G. Don

Hard quandong

Elaeocarpaceae Edible: Fruit 1,481 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Elaeocarpus obovatus, commonly known as hard quandong, blueberry ash, whitewood, grey carabeen, freckled oliveberry or gray carrobeen, is a species of flowering plant in the family Elaeocarpaceae and is endemic to eastern Australia. It is a tree with buttress roots at the base of the trunk, egg-shaped to lance-shaped leaves with the narrower end towards the base, racemes of white flowers, and blue, oval fruit.

Description

A large evergreen tree. It can have buttresses. It grows 15 m tall. The flowers are white and bell shaped. The fruit is 8-12 mm long by 7-9 mm wide. They are blue.

Edible Uses

The fruit is eaten.

Distribution

It is a warm temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

We have no specific information for this species, but members of this genus generally grow well in full sun to moderate shade, requiring a fertile, moist but well-drained soil. A fast-growing tree.

Propagation

The seed of most species in this genus is covered by a hard, woody shell and can be very slow and erratic to germinate, sometimes taking 2 years or more. Filing down the shell, or cracking it (being very careful not to damage the seed) in order to allow the ingress of moisture can help to greatly speed up germination. Sow the seed in containers in light shade. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow them on until large enough to plant out, Cuttings of almost ripe shoots, in a sandy soil in a frame. The leaves should be left on the stem.. Many species strike readily from cuttings.