Genus: Mackinlaya
Family: Araliaceae
Appearance: Medium shrub with large palmate leaves with striking berries.
Flowers: Clusters of small green or purple ball flowers develop into dense clusters of blue pea-sized berries.
Features: Foliage and berries.
Requirements: soil needs to be moist but well drained. Provide filtered light and protection for winds and frosts.
Culture: Mulch well. Water and fertilise regularly. Prune to increase bushiness.
Pest & Disease: Grasshoppers tend to be the main problems - but generally pest free.
Species & Varieties:
M. confusa -A shrub to 2m tall with serrated edged leaves. Purple flowers and bluish-grey fruit.
M. marcosciadia -An attractive Australian rainforest shrub with attractive foliage and bluish-grey berries.
For more information on Courses on Horticulture and Plants:
In Australia: http://www.acs.edu.au/Courses/horti.aspx
In the UK: http://www.acsedu.co.uk/Courses/horti.aspx