Austromyrtus dulcis
midgen berry
Overview
Austromyrtus dulcis is a small evergreen shrub of the myrtle family, growing 1-6 feet (0.3-2 m) tall with a low, spreading to arching habit. The slender leaves are 0.4-1.6 inches (1-4 cm) long, glossy dark green above, with new growth flushed pink to bronze. Small white flowers about 0.4 inch (10 mm) across, with five petals and a tuft of slender white stamens, open through spring and summer. They are followed in late summer and autumn by round white berries 0.3-0.4 inch (8-10 mm) wide, speckled grey to purple, with a sweet, spicy flavor that has long made them a bush food. Native to coastal heath and forest margins of eastern Australia, from New South Wales into Queensland, it grows on sandy, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. It tolerates coastal exposure and short dry spells once established but is sensitive to hard frost and heavy, wet soils. The low, spreading form suits use as a groundcover or low informal shrub, and both the pink new growth and edible berries are seasonal features. Growth is moderate, with fruiting beginning a couple of years after planting.
Native Range
Native to coastal eastern Australia, from New South Wales into southern Queensland, where it grows in heath, scrub, and forest margins on sandy soils. It is common in near-coastal habitats.Suggested Uses
Used as a groundcover, low informal hedge, container plant, and bush-food shrub in coastal and native gardens. Suited to sunny, well-drained sites, spaced 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart for a continuous low cover.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 6'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
White flowers open through spring and summer, roughly October to January, scattered along the stems. Each flower is about 0.4 inch (10 mm) across with a tuft of white stamens, and draws bees and other insects. Berries ripen in late summer and autumn after flowering.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Green with pink new growthGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-9 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to light shade on free-draining sandy or loamy soils and tolerates coastal salt and wind. Established plants handle short dry spells, while heavy, wet soils and hard frost cause damage. Regular watering during establishment settles the plant, after which it needs only occasional deep watering. A low-phosphorus native fertilizer suits its myrtle-family roots. Light mulching keeps the roots cool and moist. The plant fruits more heavily in an open, sunny position.Pruning
A light trim after fruiting keeps the shrub dense and compact and encourages fresh pink-tipped growth. It tolerates regular clipping, including as a low informal hedge. Removing straggly stems maintains a tidy, spreading shape.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons