About Gaultheria depressa Hook.fil.
Gaultheria depressa Hook.fil. is a prostrate shrub that reaches 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in) in height and 50 to 150 cm (19.5 to 59 in) in width when growing in Australia, and grows larger in New Zealand. Its small leaves are either oval or round, measuring 0.5 to 1 cm (0.20 to 0.39 in) long with serrate margins. Small white tubular flowers appear from September to January, and are followed by white or red fruit around 1 cm (0.39 in) in diameter. The berries are edible. In New Zealand, this species' prostrate growth habit and fruit sheltered by upper foliage suggest it is adapted for seed dispersal by lizards. The ground weta species Zealandosandrus maculifrons has been recorded eating its fruit. This plant is suitable for garden rockeries in temperate climates, and has been sold commercially in England. It prefers well-drained acidic soil in part shade. Early settlers in the southern district of New Zealand's Otago region made snowberry pies using the fruit of Gaultheria depressa.
