Ericaceae FAMILY

Gaultheria macrostigma

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

0/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Botanical Description

Gaultheria macrostigma is a low-growing, sometimes prostrate, evergreen shrub with wiry, flexuous stems that are often interlaced; it can grow up to 50cm tall. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as a ground cover.

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeNew Zealand.

HabitatMontane to lower sub-alpine open grassland and rocky places in North South and Stewart Islands from 39° and southwards[ 44 Title Flora of New Zealand. Publication Author Allan. H. H. Website http://floraseries.landcareresearch.co.nz/pages/Book.aspx?fileName=Flora%201.xml Publisher Government Printer, Wellington. Year 1961 ISBN - Description The standard work, in 5 volumes though only the first two are of interest to the plant project. Very good on habitats. There is also an on-line version. ]. Found in a wide range of habitats, mainly at elevations from 450 - 900 metres[ 11 Title Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Publication Author Bean. W. Publisher Murray Year 1981 ISBN - Description A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures. ].