Emu Apple / Sour Plum - Owenia acidula (Gamilaroi) seeds

Owenia acidula - Emu Apple (Sour Plum)
A striking small tree with unique sour fruits and cultural significance.

Quick Facts

• Height: Grows 3–10 meters tall with a rounded crown and pendant branches.
• Flowers: Male and female flowers occur on separate plants, blooming from November to December.
• Fruit: Round, purplish-red, golf-ball-sized fruit up to 4 cm wide, containing a large stone-like seed.
• Soil: Adapts to most soil types, commonly found in highland regions.
• Climate: Thrives in warm climates; prolific fruit producer.

Why Grow Owenia acidula?

The Emu Apple is an attractive, culturally significant native tree with a charming appearance and edible fruit. Its rounded crown, pendant branches, and vibrant fruits make it an appealing feature in native gardens or bushland restoration projects. A prolific fruit producer, this tree is both a visual and practical asset for those interested in native bush foods.

Bush Food Note

The fruit of Owenia acidula is edible and valued for its sour flavour:

• Harvest: Collect purplish-red fruits from the ground or the tree at ripening time.
• Post-Harvest Ripening: Fruits continue to ripen after being picked.
• Culinary Uses: Ideal for preserves, sauces, or enjoying fresh for their tangy taste.

How to Grow

1. Sowing Instructions:

   • Seeds are notoriously hard to germinate unless passed through the digestive tract of birds like emus or cassowaries.

2. Methods:

   • Ethylene Gas Method: Crack the seed shell and expose the kernel to a stream of ethylene gas for 3 minutes. Alternatively, use Ethyrel to stimulate germination.
   • Compost Method: Pack seeds in a polystyrene box with active compost. Monitor for a distinct onion-like smell, then carefully retrieve germinated seeds for potting.

3. Position:

   • Prefers full sun to partial shade.
   • Suitable for warm climates and highland regions.

4. Care Tips:

   • Water regularly during establishment but avoid waterlogging.
   • Minimal pruning required; shape as needed to encourage healthy growth.

Uses in Your Garden

• Ornamental Value: Rounded crown and colourful fruits add visual interest to native landscapes.
• Bush Food Garden: A must-have for enthusiasts of traditional Australian bush tucker.
• Wildlife Habitat: Provides food for native birds, including emus and cassowaries, and contributes to ecosystem biodiversity.
• Shade Tree: Offers light shade and a cooling presence in gardens or bushland settings.

Germination Tips

• Seeds are hard to germinate but have long viability.
• Ethylene Gas Method: Effective but requires care and precision.
• Compost Method: Encourages germination through heat and microbial activity.
• Be patient, as germination can take time due to the tough seed coat.

Order Now

Bring the vibrant beauty and unique bush food potential of Owenia acidula to your garden. Whether for its ornamental appeal or delicious fruits, the Emu Apple is a true standout among Australian natives.

Order your Emu Apple seeds today and grow a piece of Australia's rich botanical heritage!