Mountain geebung
Persoonia gunnii
Family: Proteaceae
What it is like
A shrub about 1-4 m tall. It spreads 1-3 m wide. It has many branches. Young growth has silky hairs. The bark is scaly and dark brown. The leaves are 1.5-3.2 cm long by 0.3-1 cm wide. They are oval or spoon shaped. The leaves are rounded on the top and suddenly curve upwards about the centre. They are crowded and yellow-green. The flowers are bell shaped. They are 1.5 cm across. They are creamy-yellow often with pink tinges. They are in clusters near the ends of branches. They have a strong scent. The fruit are fleshy with one stone inside. They are 1 cm long by 0.9 cm wide. They are purple-black. The mature fruit and next seasons flowers occur on the plant at the same time.
There are about 90 Persoonia species. They grow in Australia. Many have fruit which are edible.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in alpine places. It grows in open forest and moist shrubland and heath. Plants can tolerate snow and heavy frost. It needs well drained acid soils. It suits shady places. 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 is difficult to propagate and grow. Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings of very young growth.