Native Currant – Acrotriche depressa

Acrotriche depressa (native currant)

Acrotriche depressa (native currant) . The native currant is a small evergreen plant that can be grown in a shaded position in the garden. producing small edible berries 

Acrotriche depressa (native currant) is another ‘bush food from South Australia and occasionally Victoria. It is rare in cultivation, and regarded as endangered in its natural habitat.  Sometimes called ‘ground berries’ . The dark berries are said to be edible. Grows in a well drained soil in a part shaded position.

Before eating bush foods check with an expert source to confirm species and toxic potential.

Like many bush tucker foods, this is not a plant that has proven itself suited to commercial production at this time. It is difficult to know if such a rare plant can be grown successfully and produce fruit in quantities to be viable. Not a lot of study seems to have been carried out on the nutritional and or medicinal benefits  of this particular berry.

Difficult to find?

At the time of publication plants are not widely offered for sale however may be found in some specialist Australian Native Plant nurseries. Seeds are sometimes seen offered for sale on ebay, gumtree, specilaist seed sites and others. This may well be the best way to secure seeds and propagate them at this time.

Acrotriche depressa – Summary Information

• Height Will reach around 80cm in height.
• Spread – To around .7m across.
• Soil – well drained.
• Position – Full morning sun to light shade.
• Folaige – Mid to deep green.
• Flowers – Pale green
• Fruit – small red berries with hard seed. Berries are best collected when they have turned to a deep purple colour and have begun to soften.

Acrotriche depressa  are available for sale from the following nurseries