Hortiforum

General Info – Bolwarra, Native Guava, Copper Laurel

Bolwarra belongs to the ancient plant family Eupomatiaceae, which includes just one genus, Eupomatia, and three species. Its sweet, aromatic fruit has creamy, jelly-like flesh with many small seeds, similar to Guava. The urn-shaped berries ripen in winter, becoming soft to the touch, with a spicy, fruity flavour ideal for beverages, jams, and desserts.
Bolwarra thrives across a broad range of climates, from the warm temperate coastal areas of Victoria to tropical Northern Australia, favouring moist eucalyptus forests across all climates. It grows best in partially shaded understory locations and can tolerate light frost. Ideally, it should be planted in protected conditions, with year-round mulching, watering during dry periods, and protection from drying winds.
This plant makes an excellent ornamental choice, thanks to its heavily perfumed cream-coloured flowers that bloom in summer, and its glossy, elliptical evergreen foliage, which takes on attractive bronze to copper tones in winter and spring. While Bolwarra can reach up to 10 metres in height, it typically stays between 2 and 5 metres, making it a more compact and manageable option for gardens.

Plant Profile/Properties