Common Name: Snowberry

General Information

Gaultheria antipoda is an erect, more or less spreading, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 200cm tall, though usually smaller in cultivation[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

New Zealand - North, South and Stewart Islands

Habitat

Lowland to montane shrubland, open and rocky places; at elevations from sea level to 1,200 metres[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Gaultheria antipoda is not very hardy in most of the temperate zone, it is only likely to succeed outdoors in the milder regions[].
Prefers a moist but not boggy humus rich soil in shade or semi-shade[, ]. A peat and moisture loving species, it requires a lime-free soil[, ].
A polymorphic species, it is very variable in leaf size and shape[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. A good flavour[, , , ]. Sweet and juicy when first ripe, but becoming rather tasteless later in the season[, ]. The fruit is about 12mm in diameter[]. The fruit is dry, surrounded by an enlarged, ± fleshy, white to red or purplish calyx, up to 10mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of asthma[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

The seed requires a period of cold stratification. Pre-chill for 4 - 10 weeks and then surface sow in a lime-free compost in a shady part of the greenhouse and keep the compost moist[]. The seed usually germinates well, usually within 1 - 2 months at 20°c, but the seedlings are liable to damp off. It is important to water them with care and to ensure that they get plenty of ventilation. Watering them with a garlic infusion can also help to prevent damping of[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are about 25mm tall and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter[]. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. The seedlings are susceptible to spring frosts so might need some protection for their first few years outdoors. The leaves remain very small for the first few years[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood 3 - 6cm long, mid summer in a frame in a shady position. They form roots in late summer or spring[]. A good percentage usually take.
Division in spring just before new growth begins[]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Layering.