Baw-Baw Berry
Wittsteinia vacciniacea
Family: Epacridaceae
What it is like
Wittsteinia vacciniacea is a SHRUB growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Found in the sub-alpine zone at altitudes between 900 - 1500 metres.
Australia - Victoria.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Fruit. No more details are given.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it can be grown outdoors in Britain. One report says that it requires greenhouse protection in this country. However, plants tolerate temperatures down to at least -7°c in Australian gardens, though this cannot be translated directly to British gardens due to our cooler summers and colder wetter and longer winters. It would certainly be worthwhile trying it outdoors in the milder areas of the country. It is likely to require a sunny sheltered position.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe if this is possible, otherwise in early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first two winters before trying them outdoors. Cuttings. Probably it is best to take these in July or August in a frame. It is quite likely that, as with many members of this family, plants have very fine root systems and great care must be taken when transplanting them.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist