Common Name: White Waxberry

General Information

Gaultheria appressa is an evergreen shrub usually growing around 60 - 90cm tall, but occasionally reaching 200cm[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Australia - New South Wales, Victoria.

Habitat

Wet eucalyptus forests, especially in sub-alpine regions[], and alpine gullies in New South Wales and Victoria[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.80 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Gaultheria appressa is native to the Alpine zone of southeastern Australia, where it can tolerate quite heavy frosts, with temperatures falling as low as -7°c[, ]. It is used to hot summers, however, and may struggle in mildt, wet maritime climates[].
Prefers a moist but not boggy humus rich soil in sun or semi-shade[]. A peat and moisture loving species, it requires a lime-free soil[].
This species is closely related to Gaultheria hispida[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. Somewhat bitter[]. Not very palatable[]. The white, globose fruit is about 7 - 12mm wide[, ].

Medicinal

None known

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. The plant forms very fine roots which can be easily damaged on repotting. Striking cuttings in individual small tubes is recommended[].
Division in spring just before new growth begins[]. 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.