The name might make you giggle, but its fruits are no joke! Think of sweet, bright purple fruit loaded with botanical notes that when dried and added like a spice, gives a subtle piney and peppery touch. Native Juniper / Boobialla (Myoporum insulare) fruiting begins in late summer, with the fruit edible straight off the plant or kept aside for jams, tarts or even home ferments like sauerkraut or kombucha!

Climate Zones: Temperate, Sub-Tropical, Arid, Cool

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Wait until the berries turn a dark purple-black color and become plump and juicy. This usually occurs in late summer or early fall. Locate the fruit clusters on the plant. They will be growing on the ends of the branches. Gently pull each fruit from the branch with your fingers or use a pair of scissors to snip it off. Place the fruit clusters in a bowl or container. Rinse the fruit under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. Enjoy the berries fresh, or use them in cooking, baking, or making jams and jellies. Note: Be sure to only harvest fruit from plants that you have positively identified as native boobialla, and never eat berries that are unripe, green, or have a bitter taste, as they may be toxic. Also, keep in mind that native boobialla is an important part of the ecosystem and should not be over-harvested in the wild.

Boobialla is a super drought-tolerant species, with wax oblong leaves and thick tuberous roots. They need water supplementation especially during warmer months.

It doesn't like being completely dried out, but rather, keeping it moist and well-draining is ideal. One common issue is overwatering or underwatering which causes large issues for the species as a whole. If growing in a container or a pot, make sure to take care by using a self-watering pot or the like.

How big does it get?
They can be a large shrub/tree, although, they are exceptional when pruned as they take on a bonsai-like shape and are hardy when large limbs are pruned.

How long does it take to fruit?
It can take between 1 to 2 years for it to bear fruit. However, make sure there are plenty of pollinators nearby, otherwise your fruiting may be poor.

Sunlight?
Boobiallas prefer to be grown in a full-sun or part-shade position.

Fertilizing?
As with most bushfoods, use a high-quality native potting or soil mix, and fertilize every 6 - 12 months with a high-quality organic fertilizer. However, if grown in a pot, make sure you fertilize more frequently, and water fortnightly with a seaweed solution.

Soil?
Use a high-quality native soil mix.

Pruning?
The Boobialla should be pruned in mid-autumn to maintain shape and to encourage new growth. Remove older, thicker branches to make room for new shoots.

Common Problems for Boobialla Plants:
Boobialla is an extremely pest tolerant species. Although, in very rare cases you may experience challenges with spider mites or myoporum thrips.

Also commonly referred to as the Native Juniper, the fruit of this native bushfood has a herbaceous flavour and sweetness that lends itself well to both savoury or sweet purposes. Drying the fruit, and using in stews, imparts a delicious fruitiness, or uses to marinade a meat can add a unique herbiness.

The fruit can be used fresh to flavour syrups or jams, and has a long history of use in the gin-making and distilling industries.