CYATHODES parvifolia

Numerous small cream bell-shaped flowers are borne in the leaf axils during spring and early summer. By late spring the female plants are densely covered with spherical berries about 6mm across in varying shades of pink and red. The fruit is edible both raw and cooked.

Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants.

Leaves are linear-lanceolate 6 mm long, dark green with fine white stripes underneath.

Small compact shrub to 1m native to New South Wales, Tasmania & New Zealand.

Prefers well-composted soil in a protected heavily shaded position. Frost resistant but drought tender.

Please Note: Although many of the traditional Bush Food and Medicine plants are now commercially produced in various forms we recommend you re-search these before using them as any form of food or medicine. Some parts of the plant may not be edible or some may need to be prepared before they are safe to eat or use in any way. We do our best to describe their traditional & modern uses. It is the purchaser's responsibility to ensure they are fit for their intended use.

Grow notes:

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn in temperate climates, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18°C for this species.

Cold stratification of 30-45 days is recommended for this species. Cold treatment may not be critical for germination to occur but should give increased germination rates.

1. Sow seed 4mm deep
2. Water, avoiding disturbance of the seed.
3. Ensure the mix is moist but not waterlogged.
4. Place the container in a plastic bag.
5. Place the bagged container in the refrigerator for 28 days.
6. Germination generally occurs in 21-28 days when moved to warmer temperatures after the period of cold treatment but may take longer.

General note: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.