Gaultheria hispida – Tasmanian Snowberry (seed)

Description

Gaultheria hispida is an small, erect multi-branched shrub, in the Ericaceae family. Gaultheria hispida can grow up to 2m in a protected site, such as a forest, but will be smaller in more exposed alpine sites. Its leaves grow to be 4–9 cm long and appear dark green and glossy, with depressed veins and finely serrated leaf margins, tinged copper. Stems are usually red with terminal clusters of small white, urn shaped flowers at its apex. Flowering spring through summer followed by distinctive snowy white sepals enclosing a reddish capsules or “fruit” in Autumn (info from Wikipedia).

Fruit is edible, picked at the right stage it has a degree of sweetness which can fade into slight bitterness.

Care and Cultivation of Gaultheria hispida

Sow Gaultheria hispida seeds just under the surface of a well drained and rich potting mix, the seeds just want to be weighted down so they don’t float off when watered. Keep moist and in part shade until germination in 1-4 weeks. Pot up individually when crowding begins.

50+ seeds per packet