Mountain Pepper

Drimys lanceolata

Physical Characteristics

Drimys lanceolata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4.5 m (14ft) by 2.5 m (8ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Australia - New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Seed Edible Uses: Condiment The fruit and seed are used as a pepper and allspice substitute[1, 2, 11, 46, 61, 105, 183]. A pungent flavour[183, 193]. The aromatic berries are edible according to one report[238], whilst another says that they taste somewhat like cinnamon.

Medicinal Uses

Antiscorbutic Stomachic Antiscorbutic, stomachic[152].

Known Hazards

None known