Tasmannia lanceolata
Common name: Pepperberry, Mountain Pepper
I grow best: Part shade/ Full sun
- Edible leaf
- Frost tolerant
- Height 3-5m, Width – 2-4m
- Well draining soil/sandy
- Attracts – Birds, Bees, other insects
Looks like: In the Spring, Pepper berry produces small yellow or creamy white flowers that turn into red pepper berries over the Autumn season if both male and female plants are present. These berries eventually turn black when they ripen. Both leaves and berries may be used fresh or dried. Pepper berry is a bushy, medium to tall plant reaching up to 8m in its natural habitat. It will grow up to 5m in a backyard garden (unpruned), and is easily kept smaller, with pruning, as a gap-filling shrub or potted ornamental.
Habitat: It is native to the woodlands and cool temperate rainforests of Australia’s south-eastern region. This species is fairly hardy – out in the wild, it can survive sub-zero temperatures, exposed terrain and windy sites. However, it grows best in lime-free, fertile, moist and well-drained soils in semi-shade positions sheltered from the hot Summer sun and drying winds. Condition the soil with plenty of organic matter before planting, and ensure the ground is mulched before Summer.
Family | Winteraceae |
Plant Type | Small tree, Large shrub |
Width | 4 |
Flowering Time | Summer |
Soil Type | Loamy, Sandy loam, Clay loam |
Climate Zone | Warm temperate, Cool temperate, Cool |
Growth Habit | Evergreen |
Soil Moisture | Well-drained, Moist moderate drainage |
Special Uses | Edible |
Height | 10 |
Flower Colour | Cream, Yellow |
pH Level | Acid, Neutral |
Plant Environment | Container growing, Cold climate |
Light | Light shade, Half shade |
Lifespan | Perennial |
Frost Tolerance | Tolerates heavy frost, Tolerates light frost |
Attracts Wildlife | Bees, Seed eating birds, Butterflies, Other insects |
Distribution:
Traditional uses: Is an evergreen shrub often used as a culinary spice. It can be found in Aboriginal cuisine as a food flavouring, as well as in traditional medicine as a treatment for skin disorders, venereal diseases, colic and stomach ache.