Acrothamnus colensoi aka Acrothamnus Colensoi

Acrothamnus colensoi is a small evergreen shrub from New Zealand. It belongs to the heath family, Ericaceae. Sources also list it as Cyathodes colensoi and Leucopogon colensoi. Its native range includes both North and South Islands. It grows in mountain grassland and among rocks. Its habitat also reaches lower subalpine ground and fellfield. These are temperate habitats, rather than warm tropical sites.

In gardens, it reaches about 1 foot (0.3 metres) high. Its spread is also about 1 foot (0.3 metres). Growth is slow, and the plant keeps its leaves year-round. Its low form suits rock gardens and ground cover. It can also grow at a woodland edge with dappled shade. The evergreen cover gives it a role in winter gardens. The supplied accounts do not describe its bark or leaf shape.

British records place flowering in April and May. Each flower has both male and female organs. The fruit measures about 0.016 feet (0.005 metres) across. Its sweet flesh has a mealy texture. People can eat the fruit raw or cooked. Plants grown in Britain seldom bear fruit, according to PFAF. That source lists no known hazards, but gives no pet-safety assessment. It records no medicinal use for the plant.

Choose a sheltered site with partial shade or dappled light. The soil should hold moisture yet let excess water drain. PFAF recommends humus-rich soil without lime. It lists sandy, loamy, and clay soils as suitable. Mildly acid to neutral conditions fall within its stated range. Drought can harm this shrub, so dry sites are unsuitable. It grows best with moderate winters and cool, moist summers. Reports of cold tolerance differ, and harsh winters may cause damage. One report gives a limit near 23°F (−5°C). Yet Kew plants survived colder weather and flowered after winter.

Raising new plants from seed can take patience. Surface-sow seeds in ericaceous compost and keep them exposed to light. PFAF suggests sowing in a cold frame during February or March. Germination may take one or two months, or several years. Alternating cold and warm periods may help shorten the wait. Seedlings form roots slowly and need care when moved. Grow them under glass for at least two years before planting outside. Half-ripe cuttings offer another route in July or August.