Currant bush, Erect currantbush
Leptomeria drupacea

Family: Santalaceae

What it is like

A shrub which has almost no leaves. It grows attached to other plants. It is erect and slender. It grows 0.5-2.5 m high and spreads 0.5-1.5 m wide. It is leafless when flowering. The small branches are slender and angular. The flowers are white or cream and very small. They occur in loose spike-like clusters. The fruit are reddish berries. They are slightly fleshy. They are about 5 mm across.

There are 17 Leptomeria species. They grow in Australia.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows on sand in scrubland. It can tolerate frosts. 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 can be eaten raw or used for jams and jellies.

Edible parts

Flower - nectar

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Leptomeria billardieri R. Br.;