Wiry Ground-berry
Acrotriche depressa
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
A much branched small shrub. It grows 0.2-0.5 m high and spreads 0.5-1 m across. The small branches are hairy. The leaves are 0.5 cm long and flat. They are broadest near the base. They taper to a long fine point. They are olive green. The veins are easy to see under the leaf. The flowers are like tubes. They are 0.3 cm long. The flowers occur in spikes 2-3 cm long. They are mostly on older wood. They are greenish. The fruit is round and 1 cm long. It is succulent and pink to dark purple.
There are 14 Acrotriche species. They are in Australia.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It occurs naturally in sandy soils but will grow on light to medium soils if they are well drained. It will grow in part shade or full sun. It will tolerate light frosts.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten. They can be used to make jams or jellies.
It is now grown commercially.
Edible parts
Berries, fruit, flowers - nectar
How it is grown
It is grown by cuttings.
The fruit are ripe September to October.
Its other names
Local names
Native currants