This attractive fruit is covered with stiff, irritating hairs and should be handled with care. The bark will produce a froth if shaken with water, hence its common name, and was used during the first World War as a foaming agent in beer. This bright blue fruit remains on the plant for months. The seeds are generally too hot to chew fresh, but have been used in place of cardamon in cooking. Aboriginal people used the leaves to provide a roof for shelter.
Leaves are leathery and prickly, and provide protected nesting space for birds.
This is an excellent pioneer species, and can grow at a rate of 3 m per year, in favourable conditions. This is a bushy shrub, with soft, rust-coloured new growth. The large fruit opens when ripe to display bright red sticky seeds. A Landcare Guide for Brookfield, Pullenvale and Mogill by Bryan Hacker, Rona Butler and Rae Rekdahl.