Real World Gardener Blueberry Ash in Plant of the Week

 PLANT OF THE WEEK :  Blueberry Ash <p> </p> <p>Common Name:Blueberry Ash Scientific name: Eleaocarpus reticulatus Family:Elaeocarpacea Etymology:Elaeocarpus - From the Greek elaia meaning 'olive' and karpos meaning 'fruit'; reticulatus - Latin word meaning 'net-like' referring to the leaf venation. Tree Height: 6-15m (various cultivars Prima Donna 8-10m) Flowering:April - October Origin: Australian rainforests along the east coast.</p> This is a beautiful tree with sculptural leathery leaves that show off a 'bloom' much like you see on some eucalypt leaves.  Leaves are medium sized (12cm) with a drip tip apex and serrated edges.  Starting off as mid to dark green the leaves age to a bright red which contrasts well, being opposite on the colour wheel. The flowers are also quite a feature resembling clutches of lily of the valley flowers in either pink or cream all over the tree. <a href='https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l64Dt5bGwmQ/X-1Va9faucI/AAAAAAAAjzw/RAMocnn_zZQ6F7CJwrocAK71pcmVMpc_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/Blueberry_Ash_-_Elaeocarpus_reticulatus.jpg'></a> The fruits are small blue berries, hence the common name. The fruits are liked by many birds including currawongs, parrots, cockatoos and native pigeons. Fruits can persist on the tree until the next flowering. Although the height can grow to 15m you can keep it to as small a height as you would like even 2-3m if preferred. <ul><li>Adrian says they shed foliage 12 months of the years so don't plant them near your gutters.</li> </ul> I'm talking with Adrian O'Malley, native plant expert.