Creeping Pine, Strawberry pine
Microcachrys tetragona

Family: Podocarpaceae

What it is like

A shrub which lies along the ground. It grows 30 cm high and spreads 90 cm wide. It can trail over cliffs. It has many branches. It grows 40-100 cm long. The leaves are very small and in four rows. This makes the branches look square. The leaves and thick and with a keel. The branches are tough and wiry. Male and female cones occur at the ends of branches on separate plants. The female cones are succulent like small raspberries. This is the fleshy aril which covers the seed. It is red. The male flowers are made up of small scales each with 2 sacs which have winged pollen grains.

There is one Microcachrys species. It is endemic to Tasmania in Australia.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in alpine places. It grows in Tasmania between 1000-1400 m altitude. It needs moist but well drained soils. It is hardy to frost and snow. Hobart Botanical Gardens. It suits hardiness zones 8-9. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Britain, Europe, Tasmania (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be easily grown from cuttings. Plants must be kept moist. They can also be grown from seed. Seed probably benefit from cold treatment. They should be kept at about 4°C for several weeks before sowing.

Plants are slow growing. Plants flower in spring and cones ripen in autumn. Plants can live for over 50 years.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Dacrydium tetragonum (Hook.f.) Parl.;