Snowberry

Gaultheria antipoda

Physical Characteristics

Gaultheria antipoda is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

New Zealand

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked. A good flavour[46, 61, 128, 183]. Sweet and juicy but becoming rather tasteless later in the season[173]. The fruit is about 12mm in diameter[200].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known