Mountain Pepper
Drimys lanceolata

Family: Winteraceae

What it is like

Drimys lanceolata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4.5 m (14ft) by 2.5 m (8ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Height (m): 4.5

Where it is found

Moist places in mountain forests and also in alpine zones to 1500 metres.

Australia - New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Tasmania*,

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

The fruit and seed are used as a pepper and allspice substitute. A pungent flavour. The aromatic berries are edible according to one report, whilst another says that they taste somewhat like cinnamon.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 1

Antiscorbutic, stomachic.

Antiscorbutic: A plant rich in vitamin C that is used to counteract scurvy.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Other

Rating: 4

This species makes an excellent windbreak in woodland, it is widely grown as a hedge in mild temperate regions. Wood - soft, only moderate strength.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

Hedge: Hedge

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Requires a light lime-free soil in semi-shade. Prefers a fertile moist but well-drained soil. A fairly hardy species, surviving very cold winters in various parts of the country so long as it is in a suitable position. It tolerates temperatures down to about -15°c, but plants are liable to be damaged in cold winters. This species is hardier than D. winteri according to one report whilst another says that it is less hardy than D. winteri. All parts of the plant are very aromatic and pungent. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Plants are usually dioecious though monoecious and hermaphrodite forms are known. Male and female plants must usually be grown if seed is required.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10 - 15 cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Approximately 60% take. Layering in March/April. Takes 12 months. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth with a heel of older wood, November in a cold frame.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

D. aromatica. (R.Br.)Muell. non Murray. Tasmannia aromatica. Winteriana lanceolata.