Wittsteinia vacciniacea

Baw Baw Berry

Sprawling subshrub with erect stems, spreading by underground stems. Branchlets downy.

FamilyAlseuosmiaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size10-40 cm high
Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
LeavesSpreading dark green elliptic to egg-shaped leaves, wider towards tip, 4-52 mm x 2.5-30 mm, distinctly veined above, paler below, tip pointed to rounded, margins toothed, pointing forward. Tuft of long brown hairs at leaf axils.
Flower colourPale green
Flowering timeNovember to January
FlowersFragrant bell-shaped flowers to 7 mm long, lobes curved back, wavy, 1-3 in leaf axils. Round fleshy greenish-white berries.
Bird attractingBerries
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist soils in rainforest and alpine ash forest in sheltered positions. Frost and snow tolerant. Semi-shade to dappled shade.
Garden useSlowly spreading plant for moist protected position.
Commercially availableUnlikely to be available within the Shire of Yarra Ranges
Conservation statusRare in Victoria with few known populations. Occurs in a restricted area within the Shire. Endemic to Victoria.