Wittsteinia vacciniacea
| Wittsteinia vacciniacea | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 1' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Wittsteinia vacciniacea (common name: baw-baw berry)
Propagation: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe if this is possible, otherwise in early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first two winters before trying them outdoors.
Cuttings. Probably it is best to take these in July or August in a frame. It is quite likely that, as with many members of this family, plants have very fine root systems and great care must be taken when transplanting them.
Cultivation: We have very little information on this species and do not know if it can be grown outdoors in Britain. One report says that it requires greenhouse protection in this country[1]. However, plants tolerate temperatures down to at least -7°c in Australian gardens[2], though this cannot be translated directly to British gardens due to our cooler summers and colder wetter and longer winters. It would certainly be worthwhile trying it outdoors in the milder areas of the country[K]. It is likely to require a sunny sheltered position.
Range: Australia - Victoria.
Habitat: Found in the sub-alpine zone at altitudes between 900 - 1500 metres[3].
Edibility: Fruit[4]. No more details are given.
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Wrigley, John and Murray Fagg. Australian Native Plants. Collins, 1988.
- ↑ Ewart, Alfred. Recording Census of the Victorian Flora. 1923.
- ↑ Cribb, Alan and Joan Cribb. Wild Food in Australia. Fontana, 1976.