What is it?
A Chilean guava bush, a plant sometimes sold in New Zealand as a cranberry, although it is not a true cranberry.
It does produce edible red berries, though, which are more aromatic than, and not at all tart like the ones more commonly associated with good bladder health.
This species belongs to the myrtle family and is known botanically as Ugni molinae.
It is endemic to Chile - no surprise, that.
Here, it is pictured in bud growing beside the Dunedin City Council's Harrop St car park, opposite the Town Hall.
How unlikely is that?
Highly unlikely. The council does not deliberately plant edible exotics in its border gardens, parks or reserves, but it did plant this shrub.
"There isn't a set policy against [edibles]; it's more a case of traditionally, plantings have been for amenity rather than other uses," parks and reserves team leader Martin Thompson said.
So how did it get there?
The council installed this garden in the mid-1990s.
Mr Thompson said this Ugni "would have been planted for its scent as opposed to its edible qualities, although the scent from the fruit is intoxicating".
Not sure whether he meant literally intoxicating, but the fruit certainly does smell nice . . .
When was it spotted?
In August, when a taste of its late-season berries confirmed it as Chilean guava. Yummy.
Is it still there?
Yes. It can be expected to fruit in the autumn/winter months.
And if you're thinking it makes sense to put plants with dietary uses in public spaces, you might be pleased to learn others think likewise.
"We are starting to get more requests for planting of fruit trees and bushes on reserves," Mr Thompson said.
So, watch this (public) space.
