BERRIES

x Fatshedera is an intergeneric hybrid created by crossing Fatsia japonica 'Moserii' (Japanese fatsia) with Hedera helix (common ivy)  in the Araliaceae family. With one parent being a shrub and the other a vine, the plant can be trained in multiple ways.  It can be tied to supports as a vine or allowed to grow along the ground as a groundcover. Pruning the plant to encourage bushiness will give it a more shrub-like form. Greenish-white flowers are produced in Autumn, and berries (seen here) develop in Winter.

This plant is very tolerant of adverse conditions including air pollution and coastal sea spray.  Plant in shade or north exposure for winter protection.  Works well planted under taller shrubs, in containers, or in borders.  It even makes a good houseplant.  Propagates by softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings. Variegated cultivars are available.

This post is part of the Wordless Wednesday meme,
and also part of the Nature Notes meme.

ON A WALK

This post is part of the Mosaic Monday meme,
and also part of the Seasons meme.

BLUE FLAX LILY BERRIES

Dianella caerulea, commonly known as the blue flax-lily, blueberry lily, or paroo lily, is a perennial herb of the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Hemerocallidoideae, found across the eastern states of Australia and Tasmania. It is a hardy plant, growing to a height and width of around 1 meter with grass-like strappy leaves.

Blue flowers (lower photo) in spring and summer are followed by indigo-coloured berries (upper photo). It adapts readily to cultivation and is commonly seen in Australian gardens and amenities plantings. The sweet blue berries with tiny nutty seeds are edible.

CAUTION: Be careful to choose a variety with edible berries for your garden: Dianella tasmanica and Dianella intermedia are known to be toxic and should not be consumed!

This post is part of the Wordless Wednesday meme
and also part of the Nature Notes meme

SEASONAL

This post is part of the Mosaic Monday meme,
and also part of the Blue Monday meme,
and also part of the Seasons meme.

LILLY-PILLY

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL WHO CELEBRATE IT

Syzygium smithii (formerly Acmena smithii) is a summer-flowering, winter-fruiting evergreen tree, belonging to the myrtle family Myrtaceae. It shares the common name "lilly pilly" with several other plants. In New Zealand, it is commonly known as 'monkey apple'. It is planted as shrubs or hedgerows, and features: rough, woody bark; cream and green smooth, waxy leaves; flushes of pink new growth; and white to maroon edible berries. Unpruned, it will grow about 3–5 m tall in the garden.

The tree and fruit were called "Tdgerail" by the Indigenous people of the Illawarra (New South Wales); and "Coochin-coochin" by others in Queensland. Early colonists noted that the fruits were eaten by the Indigenous Australians and are acidulous, and wholesome. They can be made into jams and chutneys.

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