Native cranberry
Astroloma microcalyx
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
A small shrub. It has many branches. It grows 30-100 cm high and spreads 50-100 cm wide. There are many stems and they are slightly hairy. The leaves are 1 cm long by 0.2 cm wide. They taper to a point. They can curve backwards. The edges are hairy. The flowers are like tubes. They are 1 cm long. They are constricted at both ends. They grow in the axils of leaves on older wood. They are bright red.
There are about 20 Astroloma species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows on gravely loam and clay. It can grow on a wide range of soils. It needs good drainage. It can tolerate light frost.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from cuttings.