Billardiera scandens aka Apple Berry

Billardiera scandens is an evergreen climber in the Pittosporaceae family. Its common names include climbing apple berry and colour-changing apple berry. It comes from eastern Australia, from southeast Queensland to Victoria. Its range includes New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. It grows near mountain streams and in forest scrub. It also occurs near coasts and on tablelands.

This plant can climb or form a scrambling shrub. In gardens, it reaches about 10 feet (3 metres) high. Its spread can also reach 10 feet (3 metres). It keeps its leaves through the year. Each flower has both male and female organs. The fruit reaches about 1 inch (2.5 centimetres) long. It provides an edible crop as well as garden interest.

Give it moist soil that drains well and contains ample humus. Sandy and loamy soils suit it. It prefers mildly acid soil without lime. It grows in sun or light shade, with cool roots. A woodland garden with dappled shade offers one possible setting. A south-facing or west-facing wall offers another site in mild British areas. Most British gardens need greenhouse protection for this species. Reports from Australian gardens place cold tolerance near 19°F (−7°C). That figure does not guarantee survival through a British winter. Cooler summers and long, cold, wet winters can change its response. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 7–10.

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. Unripe fruit can also be roasted. Accounts compare its mildly tart taste with dried apples or kiwi fruit. Plants For A Future gives it an edible-use score of two out of five. That source lists no known hazards, medicinal uses, or other uses. This does not establish safety for pets or every plant part.

Fresh seed is best sown when ripe in a warm greenhouse. Cover it with only a thin layer of growing medium. Stored seed can take a year to sprout. Sow stored seed in early spring under warm greenhouse conditions. Keep young plants under glass through their first winter. Plant them outside after the last expected frost. Late spring or early summer is the suggested planting season. Half-ripe cuttings and layering offer other ways to raise plants.