This shrub to small tree has a slender trunk and spreading branches that form an open rounded crown. The lanced-shaped leaves are pink-bronze ageing to green and the pink to white bell-shaped pendant flowers appear in a cluster during summer.  

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Elaeocarpus reticulatus is naturally found in Australia growing along the east coast from Fraser Island to Tasmania and appears along rainforest fringes and in sheltered gullies. 

It prefers a semi-shaded to sunny position and grows in well drained moderately fertile sandy to heavy clay soils and is drought and light frost tolerant.

Blue Berry Ash is grown for its flowers and bushy habit. It is used in coastal plantings or as a garden specimen along borders for screening. It is also planted in moist gullies or bushland settings and is suitable for coastal regions. It establishes in 2 to 4 years and is moderately long lived. This is a great native plant for a small gardens with attractive flowers and colourful fruit and tolerates hot dry conditions. ID 244

Elaeocarpus (el-lee-oh-KAR-pus) reticulatus (reh-tick-yoo-LAY-tus)

“Elaeocarpus”, from Greek elaia, “olive”, + karpos, “fruit” - referring to the olive-like fruit; “reticulatus”, Latin word for “netted” - referring to the leaf-vein pattern.

Elaeocarpaceae (EL-ee-OH-kar-PAY-see-ee)