Scientific Name: Trochocarpa cunninghamii Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region
Common Name: straggling purpleberry
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Ericaceae
Form Description: Low, scrambling, wiry and straggly shrub ; may spread over a large area
Height (m): 0.2 – 1.5
Flowers: Crowded in terminal spikes. Bell-shaped pink or white with one tuft of hairs at the base.
Fruit: Drupe – purplish-blue/black, the stone separating into about 10 parts; 10–13 mm diameter; edible.
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Common in rainforest in the west of the State, also in alpine woodland and sometimes rocky habitats at high altitudes.
Site Tolerance
Moist, Rocky, Shady
Soil Tolerance
Fertile, Loam, Well-drained
Frost Tolerance
Hardy
General Notes
A well-composted soil that is well-drained is essential and care should be taken to prevent plants from drying out. A damp shady spot is important. Very slow growing.
Propagation Calendar
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Flowering Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Seed Collecting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Sowing Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Cutting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed Information
Seed Collection
Fruits occur most of the year.
Seed Treatment Method
Fermentation Collect fleshy fruits in a plastic bag, mash up and allowed to ferment to replicate digestion by a bird.
Seed Treatment Notes
Difficult to grow from seed. Bird-ingested or seed treated with acid may improve results.
Cutting & Division Information
Usually grown from cuttings but needs patience. Particular care should be taken when handling because they develop long, fine roots.