Appleberry (Billardiera longiflora). Not much grown in America, except as
an ornamental in the South, this Australian berry has for nearly two
centuries been commonly raised in England, where it has proved hardy
outside in the milder parts of the British Isles and is grown in the
greenhouse in cooler climates. Named botanically in honor of Jacques Julien Labillardiere, a celebrated French botanist and traveler who
collected it, the appleberry is an unusual, tasty, blue berry that is only
about an inch long somewhat resembles an apple in shape. An evergreen
climber that will twin up to 5 feet on a south wall or other support, it
has long, greenish yellow bell like flowers that change to purple. The
variety B. longiflors fructo alba has white berries, and another species
B. scandens climbs higher and bears fruit later. The appleberry prefers an
acid soil with shade at its feet and should be planted in early spring in
a compost of loam, leaf mold, and acid peat in equal proportions, with
good drainage. Pruning consists only of removing dead wood in the early
spring, and fertilizing is not necessary. The plant roost readily from
half ripe wood cuttings taken in late July and inserted in sandy soil. It
can also be grow from seed under the same conditions. Appleberries bear
profusely and the fruit makes a delicious dessert eaten raw out of hand.
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