Cranberry, Pine Heath, Pine-leaved Groundberry
Astroloma pinifolium
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
A small stiff shrub. It can be erect or spreading. It grows to 20-60 cm tall and spread 50 cm - 1.5 m wide. The leaves are 12-25 mm long and 1-2 mm wide. The leaves are crowded together and like needles. They have sharp points. Older parts of the plant often do not have leaves. The edges of the leaves are curled. The flowers develop on short stalks at the base of the previous seasons growth. The flowers are yellow with green tips and form long tubes like bells. They are 15-18 mm long. They are constricted at the throat. The tips of the petals curve back. The fruit is round. It is green. It has a fleshy layer over a hard stone.
There are about 20 Astroloma species.
Where it is found
A temperate plant. It grows in coastal heaths. It can also grow in subtropical and semiarid regions. It can tolerate heavy frosts. It needs moist well drained soils or dry soils. It needs full sunlight. Hobart Botanical Gardens. Tasmania Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The fruit are enjoyed.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed. Seed are slow to germinate. It can also be grown from cuttings.
Plants flower from September to March.