Nutmeg Bush

Tetradenia riparia

A cloud of pale mauve flowers is seen in winter. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants, but cultivated plants are usually male. They are said to have a better floral display. The normal method of propagation is by cuttings..

In spite of the common names, this plant is not used as a culinary herb. However, the leaves are aromatic.

Tetradenia ripariawas discussed in more detail in the 10-07-2020 edition of Get Results Gardening. That's a weekly email publication for Australian gardeners, especially those in the tropical, subtropical and warm temperate parts of the country. If you request a free trial (see calyx.com.au/getresultsgardening.html for instructions) you can ask for a copy of the 10-07-2020 edition to be sent as well if you want to read the article about nutmeg bush (Australian residents only, please).

Nutmeg Bush in the Landscape

When these photographs were taken (July, 2013. Brisbane), I was unaware that there were male and female plants of this species. The purple-tipped anthers suggest this is a male (assuming they produce functional pollen). Next time I see this plant in flower, I'll be taking a closer look.   This overgrown old bush is a tangle of old wood and apart from cutting back to keep the path clear, has possibly never been pruned. Young shoots at the base, however, suggest it could tolerate a hard prune to reduce the size and produce a lusher shrub. Prune routinely after flowering. It's unlikely that this specimen receives any supplementary water or fertiliser, either.