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Common Name: Mountain Pepper

General Information

Drimys lanceolata is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 4.50 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Australia - New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria.

Habitat

Moist places in mountain forests and also in alpine zones to 1500 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	4.50 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a light lime-free soil in semi-shade[]. Prefers a fertile moist but well-drained soil[].
A fairly hardy species, surviving very cold winters in various parts of the country so long as it is in a suitable position[]. It tolerates temperatures down to about -15°c[], but plants are liable to be damaged in cold winters. This species is hardier than D. winteri according to one report[] whilst another says that it is less hardy than D. winteri[].
All parts of the plant are very aromatic and pungent[, ].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
Plants are usually dioecious though monoecious and hermaphrodite forms are known. Male and female plants must usually be grown if seed is required.

Edible Uses

The fruit and seed are used as a pepper and allspice substitute[, , , , , , ]. A pungent flavour[, ]. The aromatic berries are edible according to one report[], whilst another says that they taste somewhat like cinnamon.

Medicinal

Antiscorbutic, stomachic[].

Other Uses

This species makes an excellent windbreak in woodland, it is widely grown as a hedge in mild temperate regions[].
Wood - soft, only moderate strength[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10 - 15 cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame. Approximately 60% take[].
Layering in early to mid spring. Takes 12 months[].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth with a heel of older wood, late autumn in a cold frame[].