Astelia alpina

Astelia alpina is a small plant that lives for years. It belongs to the Asteliaceae family. It comes from southeastern Australia, and its range reaches Tasmania. Records place it in eastern Victoria too. They also place it in southeastern New South Wales. It grows in a temperate climate, with wild sites on mountain moors. These lie in alpine and subalpine zones, high in the mountains. It often grows in boggy ground in these upland sites.

Plants reach about 1 foot (0.3 metres) tall. The species account does not state their full-grown width. Each plant has male or female flowers, but not both. A lone plant cannot use its own pollen to set seed. Grow both sexes together if you want to raise seed. The evidence does not say when this species flowers. Nor does it give its leaf shape or flower colour.

The species account lists both sun and part shade as suitable. Plants accept sand, loam and clay, but need soil that drains well. Keep the soil moist; do not let it dry out. The listed pH range runs from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. PFAF also lists woodland gardens where light filters through shade. These give a guide to care, not firm rules. The source notes little growing experience with this species.

Australian garden records report that plants survived about 19°F (-7°C). This gives no firm guide to hardiness in British gardens. Cooler summers and longer, wetter winters may affect how plants cope. PFAF says it may live outdoors in milder parts of Britain. Sow seed in a greenhouse in late winter. Seeds may take more than a year to sprout. Move young plants into their own pots when large enough to handle. Keep them in light shade under glass for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Wait until growth reaches 6 inches (0.15 metres). You can also divide plants in spring to raise more.

You can eat the fruit raw; its flesh is sweet and juicy. The source lists leaf bases as edible, but gives no preparation details. This does not mean whole leaves are safe to eat. PFAF gives an edibility score of two out of five. It lists no known hazards, but this does not prove pet safety. The source lists no medicinal or other uses. It also flags no risk of becoming a weed. The supplied evidence names no specific pests or diseases.