Copperleaf snowberry, Tasmanian Waxberry
Gaultheria hispida

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

A small shrub. It can be erect or spreading. The young growth is slightly hairy. It has many branches. The branches are covered with coarse red bristles. The leaves are 4-8 cm long by 1.5 cm wide. They are sword shaped with teeth along the edge. The leaves are glossy. There is a fine point at the tip and this is often curved backwards. The flowers are like tubes. They are 0.8 cm long and white. The fruit is a dry capsule with a large succulent calyx around it. The fruit is 1.2 cm across. The fruit are white.

There are about 170 Gaultheria species.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. It grows in wet forests between 300-1100 m altitude. They need light shade and cool moist soils. They can tolerate most frosts. It is known to grow naturally only in Tasmania. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. Tasmania Herbarium. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Britain, Europe, Ireland, North America, Tasmania (country/location of origin), USA

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed, cuttings or layering. The seeds are very small. The seeds can be sown in a potting mix and pricked out when small. They can then later be transplanted out.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Brossaea hispida (R. Br.) Kuntze;