Golden heath
Styphelia adscendens
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
A shrub which lies along the ground. It is wiry and much branched. It can be 10-30 cm high. It spreads 30-60 cm wide. It forms a mat of flat leaves. They are crowded and pointed at the end. The leaves are 1-2 cm long. The leaves are dark green above and paler underneath. They can be silvery. There are fine hairs along the edge. There are fine veins on the leaf. The flowers are pale yellow and fringed tubes. The stamens extend beyond the flowers. The petals are curved. The fruit is fleshy and has a single large stone inside.
There are about 11-14 (130) Styphelea species.
Where it is found
It grows in temperate and semi-arid regions. It mainly occurs near the coast. It can be on dry sites or damp peaty sites. It needs well drained soil. It can grow in full sun or light shade. It can stand light frosts. It suits hardiness zones 8-9.
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 cuttings. They are slow to form roots. It can also be grown from seed.