Muntries (emu apple) Kunzea pomifera
Muntries (emu apple) (Kunzea pomifera) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Myrtaceae family, native to Coastal sand dunes of South Australia and western Victoria. It grows 10–50 cm (4–20 in) tall and 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -4 °C (25 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
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Muntries (emu apple) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Mature height | 10–50 cm (4–20 in) |
| Mature spread | 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -4 °C (25 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–104 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: berries (raw, dried, jam, pies; apple-like flavour) |
| Native to | Coastal sand dunes of South Australia and western Victoria |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Muntries (emu apple) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Muntries (emu apple)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Guava: Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) infects guava, feijoa, Surinam cherry and many other Myrtaceae; it spreads by airborne spores between them. Evidence B
Questions about Muntries (emu apple)
- How far apart should I plant Muntries (emu apple)?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft).
- Does Muntries (emu apple) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Muntries (emu apple) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Muntries (emu apple)?
- It tolerates about -4 °C (25 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Muntries (emu apple) flower?
- About 52–104 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Muntries (emu apple) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Muntries (emu apple)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Muntries (emu apple). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
Notes and assumptions
- An Australian native of poor, sandy soils: it wants sharp drainage and sun, and rots in heavy, wet ground or humid summers.
- A prostrate shrub of coastal dunes with fluffy white flowers in spring, then small berries, green flushed red, that taste of spiced apple. The Ngarrindjeri people dried them and traded them; they were one of the first native fruits farmed commercially. Good for banks and over walls.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon myrtle Backhousia citriodora
- Guava Psidium guajava
- Feijoa Acca sellowiana
- Surinam cherry (pitanga) Eugenia uniflora
- Cider gum (eucalyptus) Eucalyptus gunnii
- Lilly pilly Syzygium smithii
- Crimson bottlebrush Melaleuca citrina
- Mānuka (tea tree) Leptospermum scoparium