Tasmannia xerophila ssp. xerophila
Alpine Pepper
Bushy shrub with rough, finely warty stems, reddish when young. Male and female flowers on separate plants. Plants occur in clumps due to root suckering.
Additional information
- FamilyWinteraceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size0.5-2.5 m x 0.5-2 m
- Plant groupingShrubs to 2m
- LeavesGlossy dark green, leathery, lance-shaped leaves, broader towards the tip, paler below, 3-9 cm x 7-17 mm, clumped towards ends of branches.
- Flower colourYellow
- Flowering timeDecember to February
- FlowersClusters of 1-16 flowers in leaf axils. Male flowers composed of 9-30 stamens, female flowers have 2 tiny petals. Glossy roundish dark purple fruit to 10 mm.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist soils in subalpine snow gum and mountain forests. Frost and snow tolerant. Full sun to partial shade.
- Garden useA small screen for sheltered montane gardens.
- Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries
- Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from few local sites where it is common. More common outside the Shire boundary.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 3, 4 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 Ken Harris
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