Aidia racemosa at Hydeaway Bay.
Family: Rubiaceae
Common name: Archer Cherry
Scientific name: Aidia racemosa
Description: A herbaceous shrub to 6m height.
Distribution: Found in the northern parts of Queensland down to the central region, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, from sea level to about 500m elevation, in dry and monsoonal rainforests, vine thickets, and open woodlands. Also found in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and New Guinea.
Leaves: Opposite in appearance, but on closer inspection some ‘pairs’ of leaves are actually missing a leaf. Leaves are lance-shaped, thinly leathery in texture, dark glossy green above and paler beneath, tapering to an elongated, pointed tip. Stipules & domatia (leaf-mite houses) present.
Flowers: Whitish-cream, with a strong jasmine-like perfume, to 1.5cm diameter, with a protruding corolla and anthers, forming clusters held on the upper side of branches.
Fruit: Bright red to purple when ripe, globular, with a the calyx tube present at the tip of the fruit, about 1cm long, containing several small seeds. Edible, with a tart flavour. Flavour is improved when very ripe.
Propagation: From fresh seed or cuttings.
Notes: Will grow best in a protected position but it is a fairly hardy plant. The flowers attract butterflies and the fruit is eaten by many birds.
Images by CP and JR.Reference:Across The Top: Gardening With Australian Native Plants, Keith Townsend, SGAP Townsville, 1994.Some Magnetic Island Plants
