Tasmannia lanceolata

Botanical Name: Tasmannia lanceolata
Common Name: mountain pepper
Family: Winteraceae

Size: 1-5m H, 1-3m W.
Leaves: Tough, glossy, oblanceolate, variable, depending on conditions, 1.5-13cm long, dark green on red stems.
Flowers: Terminal, yellow, male and female flowers on separate plants.
Flowering Time: Spring/summer.
Fruit: Red maturing to black berry with strong pepper flavour.

Habitat/distribution: Widespread in moist areas from coast to subalpine. Also Vic, NSW.
Other notes: Adaptable to a wide variety of conditions. Tolerate heavy shade. Berries and leaves useful as a culinary spice. Propagate from seed or cuttings which do best with bottom heat.