X Lophomyrtus (Lophomyrtus x ralphii)

Family: Myrtaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Lophomyrtus x ralphii is an evergreen Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft) by 3 m (9ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet and pleasant with a slightly aromatic flavour when they are fully ripe. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; They are sweet and pleasant with a slightly aromatic flavour when they are fully ripe.; The fruit is berry about 7mm in diameter containing a number of small but very hard seeds.; We have seen plants of the cultivar 'Sundae' still bearing fruit in the early spring.

Habitat & North American Range

Coastal to montane forest, especially marginally, in North Island and occasionally in the north of South Island. (Zone 8)