Botanical Name: Austromyrtus dulcis
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Austromyrtus
Species: A. dulcis
Synonyms:
Myrtus dulcis C.T.White
Common Names: Midyim, Midgen berry
Habitat: Midyim is native to eastern Australia. The species occurs in New South Wales and Queensland.
Description:
Midyim is a spreading heath land shrub and the species occurs in New South Wales and Queensland. Though it can grow up to 2m in height, this versatile evergreen shrub can be easily kept small for home gardens. Lanceolate to elliptical in shape, the leaves of Midgen berry are 1-3 cm long and 0.5 cm wide and features a silky hair beneath which is glossy above.Small white star-shaped flowers appear in early Summer. Keep the soil moist and well-fed to ensure a good harvest of berries in the following months. Popular in amenity horticulture, followed by dotted mauve edible berries, the white flowers are 1cm in size and they are well-known traditional bush food consumed by native Australians…....CLICK & SEE
With a small rambling shrub, it prefers sandy soils to grow well. The leaves of Midyim are 2.5cm long and highly pointed. The flower of this edible fruit is 7-1 0 mm in diameter and have white ovate petals. Although solitary flowers are quite common, in general, they are put up with bunches of 2-5 flowers in the upper axils.
Giving the fruit a mauvish appearance, the berries contain 3-9 pale brown seeds and are white and covered in small blue black spots. The fruit ripens during the autumn and are edible and have a sweet taste.
Cultivation:
Relatively easy to propagate, it takes just about 3-4 weeks for fresh cleaned seed to germinate while take about a week longer for unclean fruits. Propagation from cuttings is also easy. In sandy coastal regions, it forms an excellent shrub with no direct exposure to salt winds. Following are some of the other requirements that are needed for cultivation and it includes:
Medium moisture level
- Shelter in case of severe frosts
- Pruning *Needs little maintenance
The plant appears relatively free from pests and diseases.
Edible Uses:
The berries are a popular traditional bushfood, eaten by indigenous Australians and non-indigenous people. The melt-in-the-mouth berries are sweet and aromatic, with a pleasant gingery flavour. While recognized as having good flavour qualities, the berries have not been commercialized due to harvesting and handling issues.
The fruit is best eaten fresh, seeds and all, but can be added to fruit salads, pies or made into jam. Some say it has a flavour that is like a blueberry with a hint of eucalyptus.
The midjem berry is sold around the country in nurseries which specialise in native bushfood. It can sometimes be sourced online.
Medicinal Uses:
Nutritional Value of Midyim Fruit:
Amount Per Serving:
*Calories 136
*Fat Calories 2.6
% Daily Value
*Total Fat 0.3g 0%
*Saturated Fat -1g -5%
*Cholesterol -1mg -0%
*Sodium 70mg 3%
*Total Carb 8.6g 3%
*Dietary Fiber 13.7g 55%
*Sugars -1g
*Protein 0.9g 2%
*Vitamin A -0% Vitamin C -2%
*Calcium 5% Iron 28%
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austromyrtus_dulcis
https://www.fruitsinfo.com/midyim-fruit.php
