Snowberry, Waxberry
Gaultheria appressa

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

A small shrub. It can be erect or spreading. It grows 0.6-2.5 m high and spreads 1-2.5 m wide. It has brown flattened hairs. The leaves are 3-6 cm long by 0.5-1.2 cm wide. They are oblong or sword shaped. They are dark green and shiny. The flowers are like tubes. They are 0.6 cm long and white. The fruit is a dry capsule with a succulent white calyx around it.

There are about 170 Gaultheria species.

Where it is found

It suits temperate and subtropical zones. It grows as undergrowth in mountain forests. It can grow on a range of soils except alkaline soils. It needs well drained soils. It can tolerate frosts.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed, cuttings or aerial layers.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Gaultheria appressa var. glabra A. W. Hill;