Antidesma erostre

F. Muell. ex Benth.

Wild Currant, Currant-tree, Currantwood

Phyllanthaceae Edible: Fruit 22 iNaturalist observations

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Description

A small tree which grows 3-6 m tall. The tree has a stiff habit. Trees can grow to 20 m tall. It spreads to 2-4 m across. The bark is pale brown. The leaves are oblong or sword shaped and 5-10 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. Leaves are simple and shiny on both surfaces. They are smooth and without hairs and are drawn out into a long point. They have a slender leaf stalk. The female flower bunch has stalks of flowers around a common axis. The bunches are 2-4 cm long. They are slender and produced in the axils of leaves or at the ends of branches. The fruit is about 5 mm across and 7 mm long. The fruit are oval, flattened and red. The fruit are acid and edible. There is one seed about 7 mm long by 5 mm across.

Edible Uses

The acid red fruit can be used for desserts or jam.

Traditional Uses

The fruit can be used for desserts or jam.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

Not mentioned.

Distribution

A tropical plant. It is a plant for the tropics and subtropics. It grows in coastal and highland areas in north east Queensland in Australia. It needs a sunny position and well drained soils. In north Queensland it grows from sea level to 1150 m altitude.

Where It Grows

Australia*, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, PNG,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. Fresh seeds should be used.

Production

Plants may be slow growing. Fruit are available March to November. (September to December).

Other Information

It is not known if it is used for food in Papua New Guinea.

Notes

There are about 100-170 Antidesma species.

References (6)

Cherikoff V. & Isaacs, J., The Bush Food Handbook. How to gather, grow, process and cook Australian Wild Foods. Ti Tree Press, Australia p 198
Cooper W & Cooper W T, 1994, Fruits of the Rain Forest. RD Press p 34
Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1982, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 2. Lothian. p 208
Jackes, B.R., 2001, Plants of the Tropics. Rainforest to Heath. An Identification Guide. James Cook University. p 52
Jones D, L, 1986, Ornamental Rainforest Plants in Australia, Reed Books, p 180, 340

Show all 6 references