Astroloma microcalyx

Sonder

Native cranberry

Ericaceae Edible: Fruit

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Description

A small shrub. It has many branches. It grows 30-100 cm high and spreads 50-100 cm wide. There are many stems and they are slightly hairy. The leaves are 1 cm long by 0.2 cm wide. They taper to a point. They can curve backwards. The edges are hairy. The flowers are like tubes. They are 1 cm long. They are constricted at both ends. They grow in the axils of leaves on older wood. They are bright red.

Edible Uses

The fruit is eaten.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It grows on gravely loam and clay. It can grow on a wide range of soils. It needs good drainage. It can tolerate light frost.

Where It Grows

Australia*, Tasmania,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from cuttings.

Notes

There are about 20 Astroloma species.

References (2)

Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 115
Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1982, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 2. Lothian. p 249