Washington: Scientists have developed a
variety of super healthy Chinese fruit, the Red Bayberry, that
can grow in subtropical regions worldwide.
The dark red attractive fruit of the Red Bayberry
(Myrica rubra) has been produced in China for centuries, long
and enthusiastically sought after for perceived health
benefits as well as their refreshing and delicious flavour.
Now, an international team, led by Queensland
University, has developed new Red Bayberry varieties that are
thriving in the subtropics.
Lead scientist Prof Daryl Joyce said the small number
of mature fruiting trees currently growing in South East of
Queensland started producing commercial yields of fruit just
three years after transplanting.
"We were pleasantly surprised the trees grew so
quickly and started fruiting after such a short juvenile
period after transplanting. Many fruit trees don't start
producing reasonable volumes of fruit until may be five or
six years after transplanting.
"However, it appears that Red Bayberry responds well
to the sub-tropical growing conditions," he said.
Bureau Report
First Published: Tuesday, October 20, 2009, 11:51