About

Leucopogon parviflorus, commonly known as coast beard-heath or native currant, is a shrub or small tree in the family Ericaceae. It is native to all Australian states and territories excluding the Northern Territory and the ACT and also grows in New Zealand. The species can grow to between 1 and 5 metres in height and has leaves that are 11 to 29 mm long and 2.4 to 7.5 mm in width, often with curved tips. The white flowers are around 15 mm long and are produced in spikes of 7 to 13. These occur throughout the year.

Leucopogon parviflorus can grow in many differing conditions, from sandy dunes to rocky cliff faces, in sheltered or exposed weather conditions. However, it does grow most efficiently in sandier areas, with sufficient shelter from the elements.

Where it grows

Leucopogon parviflorus is native to Australia and grows widely across the entire coasts of the states of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania. It also grows in the southernmost parts of Queensland and Western Australia. The shrub also grows on the coastal areas of the Chatham Islands in New Zealand. It is wide growing in Australia.

Uses

Leucopogon parviflorus' fruit is safe for humans to eat as a sweet food source once fully ripened. Indigenous Australian communities such as the Djab Wurrung people have been harvesting the shrub's berries for hundreds of years and have extensive knowledge surrounding the shrub and other native Australian flora. The fruit is mainly eaten as a snack as the majority of the fruit is the pip of the berry, with limited flesh.

Other Leptecophylla plants

Mingimingi · Leptecophylla mariannensis · Crimson Berry · Mountain Pinkberry · Hawaiian heather · Leptecophylla · Styphelia erubescens