Bellbird vine, Apple vine, Harlequin Fruit
A tropical plant. It occurs in coastal tropical rainforests. It grows in Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. It occurs at low to moderate heights above sea level. It grows from sea level to 1200 m altitude.
Also known as:
Paiamara, Southern melodinus, Wongali
Synonyms
- Chilocarpus australis F. Muell.
- Melodinus chilocarpoides F. Muell.
- Rhytileucoma chilocarpoides F. Muell.
Edible Portion
- Fruit
Where does Bellbird vine grow?
Found in: Australia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Solomons
Notes: There are about 75 Melodinus species.
Growing Bellbird vine, Apple vine, Harlequin Fruit
Cultivation: It can be grown from seed or from cuttings taken from firm wood. Seed should be sown fresh. It grows best with partial shade but if kept well watered can grow in full sun. It can tolerate a slight frost.
Edible Uses: The ripe fruit is edible
Production: Fruiting is December to April. Flowers and fruit can occur at the same time on a plant.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit | 149 | 1.6 | - | - | - | - | 62.3 |
Bellbird vine, Apple vine, Harlequin Fruit Photos
References
Checklist of NT Vascular Plant Species. January 2003.
Cherikoff V. & Isaacs, J., The Bush Food Handbook. How to gather, grow, process and cook Australian Wild Foods. Ti Tree Press, Australia p 196
Cooper W & Cooper W T, 1994, Fruits of the Rain Forest. RD Press p 188
Cribb, A.B. & J.W., 1976, Wild Food in Australia, Fontana. p 75
Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1993, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 6. Lothian. p 383
Flora of Australia, Volume 28, Gentiales, Melbourne:CSIRO Australia, 1996. p 111, Fig 23, 24 p xix, Fig 49 p 113, Map 145 p 294
French, B.R., 2010, Food Plants of Solomon Islands. A Compendium. Food Plants International Inc. p 344
Haslam, S., 2004, Noosa's Native Plants. Noosa Integrated Catchment Assn. Inc. p 345
Jackes, B.R., 2001, Plants of the Tropics. Rainforest to Heath. An Identification Guide. James Cook University. p 40
Jones D, L, 1986, Ornamental Rainforest Plants in Australia, Reed Books, p 291
Lazarides, M. & Hince, B., 1993, Handbook of Economic Plants of Australia, CSIRO. p 162
Melzer, R. & Plumb, J., 2011, Plants of Capricornia. Belgamba, Rockhampton. p 357