Prickly broomheath
Monotoca scoparia
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
A medium sized shrub. It grows 0.3-3 m high and spreads 0.3-1.5 m wide. The young growth is hairy. The bark is blackish. The branches curve upwards. The leaves are 0.5-2.3 cm long by 0.1-0.5 cm wide. They are narrowly oblong and have short stalks. The edges of the leaves are curved backwards. The tip has a prickly point. The flowers are 0.2 cm across. They are cream or white. They have a sweet scent. There are 2-4 flowers in a cluster in the axils of the upper leaves. The fruit is fleshy with one seed and it is about 0.3 cm long. They are green but turn yellow when ripe.
There are 16 Monotoca species. They grow in Australia.
Where it is found
They grow in warm temperate and temperate locations. They grow in sandy soil. It needs a well drained soil. They can tolerate frost. They can stand dry periods. Tasmania Herbarium. Coffs Harbour Botanical Gardens.
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
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. Plants can be pruned and cut back.