Cunningham's trochocarpa, Straggling purpleberry, Flat heath
Trochocarpa cunninghamii
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
A straggling or sprawling shrub. It grows from 20 cm to 1 m high. The branches are widely spreading. They can spread 2 m wide. The branches often form roots. The young shoots are dark brown and downy. The leaves are scattered and oval. They are in opposite rows at right angles to the stem. The leaves are 0.7-1 cm long and with small teeth around the edge. The young leaves can be red. The flowers are pink or white and tube shaped. They are waxy and hang in spikes. They are near the ends of branches. The fruit is flattened and round. It is fleshy with one stone inside. They are dark blue and 8 mm long.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in the rainforest. It needs well drained, moist soil and shade. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought. Tasmania Herbarium. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
It can be grown from seed or tip cuttings.