Lance Beard-heath, Native Bearded Heath
Leucopogon lanceolatus
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
A tall shrub. It grows 1-3 m high and spreads 1-2 m wide. The young growth is pale green or bronze. The leaves are narrow and oval. They are 1-9 cm long and fattest near the middle. They are dark green above and paler underneath. The tip is sharp. The flowering spikes are 2-10 cm long. The flowers are small and white. They are 0.2 cm long. They occur in short spikes near the ends of branches. The fruit are 2-3 mm long and green but turn red when ripe.
There are about 160 Leucopogon species. They are mostly in Australia.
Where it is found
It is a warm temperate plant. It grows as an understorey plant in forest. It can grow in shade. In Tasmania it mainly occurs in the north. It needs well drained soil. It can tolerate heavy frost. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. Tasmania Herbarium.
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 are edible. They are eaten fresh. The seed is not eaten.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.
The fruit are picked off the tree.