Gaultheria macrostigma
| Gaultheria macrostigma | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-6.5 |
| Evergreen Cross Pollinated | |
| Height: | 2' |
| Width: | 3' |
| Blooms: | Mid Spring-Late Spring |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Gaultheria macrostigma
Propagation: The seed requires a period of cold stratification. Pre-chill for 4 - 10 weeks and surface sow in a lime-free compost in a shady part of the greenhouse and keep moist[1]. The seed usually germinates well, usually within 1 - 2 months at 20°c, but the seedlings are liable to damp off. Watering them with care and making sure you give them plenty of ventilation will reduce this risk. Watering them with a garlic infusion can also help to prevent this[K]. 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[K]. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. The seedlings are susceptible to spring frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood 3 - 6cm long, July/August in a frame in a shady position. They form roots in late summer or spring[1]. A good percentage usually take.
Division in spring just before new growth begins. 'Drop' the plants 12 months earlier by digging them up and replanting them deeper in the soil so that the branches are buried and can form roots. This works best in a sandy soil[1]. It is best to pot up the divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse until they are established. Plant them out in the summer.
Layering in September/October. Takes 12 months[1].
Cultivation: Requires a light well-drained lime-free soil[2].
The plant can make a good nesting place for mice, these mice then eat the bark of the stems in winter causing die-back.
Dioecious. Male and female plants must usually be grown if seed is required. This species, however, does not need a male pollinator in order to fruit well. It also hybridizes freely in the wild with other members of this genus[3].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[4].
Range: New Zealand.
Habitat: Montane to lower sub-alpine open grassland and rocky places in North South and Stewart Islands from 39° and southwards[5].
Edibility: Fruit - raw or cooked[6]. Fairly large[7]. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter[4].
Usage: A good ground cover for sun or light shade.
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Dioecious
Also Known As: G. antipoda microphylla. G. depressa microphylla. G. perplexa. Pernettya macrostigma. Colenso.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Sheat, Wilfrid. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. St Martin, 1948.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Allan, Harry. Flora of New Zealand. Government Printer Publications, 1961.
- ↑ Crowe, Andrew. Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Hodder and Stoughton, 1990.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray, 1992.