Midyim Berry (Austromyrtus dulcis x tenifolia)

Description

Midyim Berry (Austromyrtus dulcis x tenifolia) is a beautiful, low-growing Australian native shrub, prized for its edible berries, striking copper-toned new growth, and ecological value in home and permaculture gardens. Naturally occurring along the coastal regions of eastern Australia, the Copper Top variety has been selected for its attractive bronze to copper-coloured young leaves, offering year-round ornamental appeal.

Thriving in full sun to part shade, Midyim Berry prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils, but is highly adaptable to a range of conditions, including sandy soils common to coastal areas. It is drought-tolerant once established and responds well to light pruning, making it a low-maintenance choice for edible landscapes and native gardens.

Small, white, star-shaped flowers appear in spring and summer, attracting a wide range of pollinators such as native bees and butterflies. These are followed by clusters of small, speckled berries with a sweet, mildly spiced flavour — often described as a mix between blueberry and cinnamon — which can be eaten fresh, used in jams, desserts, or as a native bushfood snack.

While the Midyim Berry has limited recorded traditional medicinal use compared to other bushfoods, the fruit is valued for its vitamin content and antioxidant properties, though scientific research is still limited.

In permaculture gardens, Midyim Berry serves multiple functions: as an edible groundcover shrub, a habitat provider for beneficial insects, a source of seasonal fruit, and a resilient, attractive landscape plant well-suited to low-input, sustainable gardening.