| Small compact shrub to 1 m native to New South Wales, Tasmania. New Zealand. In May the female plants are densely covered with spherical berries about 6 mm across in varying shades of pink and red. Leaves are about 6 mm, linear-lanceolate, prickly, dark green with fine white stripes underneath. Numerous small cream bell-shaped flowers are borne in the leaf axils; male and female flowers on different plants. Flowering in September-December. Requires a moist well-drained lime-free humus rich soil in a sheltered site in partial or dappled shade. Plants are very susceptible to drought. A good rock garden plant. Slow growing. Plants grow best in areas with moderate winters and cool moist summers. Fruits are edible raw or cooked. Pleasantly sweet and juicy but it has a large seed. The fruit is delightful lemony flavour about 5mm wide. Sow in February/March in a cold frame. Do not exclude light. Germination can take place within 1 - 2 months at 18°c but often takes longer. Scarification will reduce the germination time, 4 - 6 weeks cold stratification alternated with 4 weeks warm stratification can also help. The seedlings can be very slow to form roots and need to be potted up with great care. 6 seeds | 
