Loves the shade

Attractive glossy foliage and bright orange fruit. Good shade species, sometimes slow growing. Timber was used for axe handles. Small, slightly perfumed, cream flowers in large terminal panicles February to May. Yellow-orange, pear-shaped fruit ripe, November to December. Mischocarpus from Greek mischos, stalk of leaves or fruit, husk or shell, and karpos a fruit, in reference to the fruit tapering into a stalk or stipe. Pyriformis from Latin pyrus a pear (tree) and forma figure, shape or appearance, in reference to its pear-shaped fruits.

Photo: Robert Whyte

Seed collecting and propagation

Yellow-orange, pear-shaped fruit ripe, November to December. Many fruits do not contain seeds. Fresh seeds should be sown with 90% germination after 3 to 7 days, but may continue for up to 3 months. Seed has a very short viability and must be sown immediately after the capsules open.