Astartea fascicularis
Family: Myrtaceae
What it is like
An evergreen shrub. It grows 1 m high and spreads 1.5 m wide. The branches hang downwards. The crown is open. The leaves are fine and like heath. They occur in small clusters of 3 to 7. The flowers are white or pink. They are small and star shaped.
Also put in the family Leptospermaceae.
Where it is found
It needs damp, sandy, alkaline soils. It needs a protected, partly shaded position. It is resistant to drought but damaged by frost.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The leaves are used as a tea substitute.
Edible parts
Leaves - tea
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from tip cuttings.