Trochocarpa clarkei
Family: Epacridaceae
What it is like
Trochocarpa clarkei is an evergreen Shrub. It is in leaf all year. 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
Where it is found
Alpine regions at elevations of 1200 - 1500 metres.
Australia - north-eastern Victoria.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Fruit - raw.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it is likely to succeed outdoors in the mildest areas of the country. It is likely to require a warm sheltered position, probably preferring a position in light woodland. Plants self-layer.
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 winter. 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. Division of self-layered branches.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist