Spreading cheeseberry, Small-leaved cheeseberry
Cyathodes straminea
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
A sprawling shrub with many branches. It is usually less than 1 m tall. The leaves are narrow and oval and 1-2 cm long. They are clustered near the ends of each year's growth. The leaves are pale underneath. The flowers are white and bell shaped and occur in clusters. These are near the ends of branches among the leaves. The false berries are flattened and shiny red. Old flowers can remain hanging on the fruit.
There are 10 Cyathodes species in Tasmania. There are about 15 Cyathodes species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. They occur in alpine regions on dolerite mountains often growing among rocks. It grows on mountains over 1,000 m altitude. It needs well drained moist soil. Hobart Botanical Gardens. Tasmania Herbarium.
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 are not easy to grow. Seed which have been eaten then regurgitated by birds are easier to get to grow. Plants can be grown from cuttings. They should be semi-hardwood cuttings.
Fruit are present for much of the year.