New exotic fruit variety 'developed'

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.