Trochocarpa clarkei

Lilac Berry

Dense mounding shrub with downy branchlets, sometimes rooting at nodes.

FamilyEricaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size20-50 cm x 50-80 cm
Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
LeavesSpreading oblong to elliptic dark green leaves 3-11 mm x 1.2-3.5 mm with blunt tip, paler below with 3-7 almost parallel veins, margins serrated.
Flower colourMaroon, greenish towards base
Flowering timeNovember to March
FlowersDense axillary spikes of 5-11 bell-shaped flowers on old wood, occasionally terminal, 5 dense tufts of spreading hairs in throat of tube. Fleshy round bluish-purple berry-like fruit.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist sheltered positions in wet mountain and subalpine forests, usually growing near rocks.
Garden useAttractive mounding shrub for rockeries and cottage gardens in sheltered areas.
Commercially availableUnlikely to be available within the Shire of Yarra Ranges
Conservation statusRare in Victoria, locally common in few populations. Most populations fall outside the Shire.