Coast Beard-heath, Currant Bush
Leucopogon parviflorus

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

A dense rounded shrub. It can be 1-5 m tall. It has many branches. The leaves are dull green and narrowly oval. They are 1-3 cm long by 8 mm wide. They are more pale underneath. The tips and edges curve backwards. The flower buds are pink and white. The flowers are white and tubular. They are 5 mm across. They are softly hairy on the inside. The lobes are furry and spreading. The flowers occur in dense clusters in the axils of leaves near the ends of branches. The fruit are round and yellowish-green. They are 0.4 cm across. The fruit are edible. The seeds is not eaten.

There are about 160 Leucopogon species. They are mostly in Australia.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in coastal regions. It grows on sand dunes and heaths near the sea. It can only stand light frost. It needs good drainage. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. Tasmania Herbarium. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), New Zealand, Lord Howe Island, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. It is not easy to propagate.

Its other names

Local names

Ngoor-le

Synonyms

Leucopogon richei (Labill.) R.Br.; Styphelia parviflora Andrews; Styphelia richei Labill.; Cyathodes parviflora;