Acrotriche serrulata
(Labill.) R. Br.
Southern heath, Ground berry
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(c) Ian D B Moodie, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Ian D B Moodie
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Anthony Kurek EntSocVic, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Anthony Kurek EntSocVic
Summary
Source: WikipediaAcrotriche serrulata, commonly known as honey pots, is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae, and is endemic to south-eastern Australia. It is a low-lying, mat-forming shrub with lance-shaped to linear leaves, pale green to whitish, cylindrical flowers and greyish-green fruit.
Description
An evergreen shrub. It grows to 0.3 m high and spreads to 0.5 m across. The stem lies along the ground and is like a creeper. The branches stick upwards 15-30 cm. The leaves and narrow and taper towards the ends. They are small (0.7 cm long). The leaves have hairy edges and the edges roll under. The leaf stalks are pressed close to the stem. The flowers are green and tube shaped. The fruit are berries and green. There are 5-6 seeds. The flowers grow on old season's growth.
Edible Uses
The fruit can be eaten raw. It is succulent and greyish-green, globose in shape, and measures 3–5mm in diameter. The fruits are sometimes gathered from the wild as a food source.
Traditional Uses
Nectar can be sucked from the lower parts of the flower. The flowers can be soaked in water to make a drink. The fruit can also be eaten.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. A plant native to eastern Australia. It prefers light well drained soils. It suits an open sunny position or in light shade. It is drought and frost resistant. Tasmania Herbarium.
Where It Grows
Australia*, Tasmania*,
Cultivation
It can be grown from cuttings. This is somewhat difficult. They are usually slow to strike.
Propagation
Seed — no specific information is available for this species, but scarification is likely to improve germination. Pour a small amount of nearly boiling water over the seeds (taking care not to cook them), then soak in warm water for 12–24 hours. The seeds should swell as they absorb moisture. If they have not swollen by this time, carefully nick the seedcoat without damaging the embryo, then soak for a further 12 hours before sowing.
Other Uses
None known.
Notes
There are 14 Acrotriche species. They are in Australia.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Ant’s delight, Burgil-burgil, Honey-pots
References (12)
- Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 47
- Cherikoff V. & Isaacs, J., The Bush Food Handbook. How to gather, grow, process and cook Australian Wild Foods. Ti Tree Press, Australia p 194
- Curtis, W.M., 1963, The Students Flora of Tasmania Vol 2 p 433, 440
- De Angelis, D., 2005, Aboriginal Plant Use of the Greater Melbourne Area. La Trobe University Environment Collective
- Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1982, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 2. Lothian. p 145
Show all 12 references Hide references
- Gilfedder, L et al, 2003, The Nature of the Midlands. Midlands Bushweb. PO Box 156 Longford, Tasmania. p 101
- Hastings Advance Community College, 2017, Uses for Native Plants of the Mornington Peninsula. 86pp. p 12
- Low, T., 1992, Bush Tucker. Australia’s Wild Food Harvest. Angus & Robertson. p 172, 173
- Steenbeeke, Greg as part of the Plants Directory project. List of plant species from northern NSW that may be used as food plants p 3
- Tasmanian Herbarium Vascular Plants list p 25
- Whiting, J. et al, 2004, Tasmania's Natural Flora. Tasmania's Natural Flora Editorial Committee PO Box 194, Ulverstone, Tasmania, Australia 7315 p 112
- Zola, N., & Gott, B., 1992, Koorie Plants Koorie People. Koorie Heritage Trust. p 50
