Gaultheria macrostigma aka Gaultheria Macrostigma

Gaultheria macrostigma is a small evergreen shrub from New Zealand. It belongs to the heath family, Ericaceae. Kew lists its growth form as a subshrub. Its native range includes North, South, and Stewart Islands. It grows from about latitude 39° south and farther south. Its wild sites include open grassland and rocky ground. These lie in mountain and lower subalpine areas. The RHS also lists the name Pernettya macrostigma as a synonym.

In gardens, it reaches about 1.6 feet (0.5 metres) tall. Its spread reaches about 3.3 feet (1 metre). This low, broad shape suits its use as ground cover. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. PFAF lists flowering from April to May. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Seed production usually needs plants of both sexes. Yet PFAF reports good fruiting without a male plant nearby. This distinction matters when growing it for fruit rather than seed.

The fruit measures about 0.02 feet (0.006 metres) across. It can be eaten fresh or cooked. PFAF gives its edible value two out of five. The source lists no known hazards, but this is not proof of safety. It reports no known medicinal uses. Beyond food, the plant has value as a low ground cover. It suits woodland gardens, edges with shade, and sites with dappled light. PFAF also lists ground-cover use in sun or light shade.

Give it light soil that drains well and contains no lime. Sandy or loamy soil suits it. It prefers moist ground and accepts strongly acid conditions. Partial shade is a supported choice for cultivation. PFAF lists USDA hardiness zones 7–10. It also gives an older UK zone rating of 8. Mice may nest within the plant's cover. In winter, they can gnaw stem bark and cause dieback. The species also crosses freely with related plants in the wild.

Seed propagation calls for four to ten weeks of chilling. Sow seed on the surface of lime-free compost. Keep it moist in a shaded greenhouse. PFAF reports germination within one to two months at 20°C. Young seedlings may suffer damping off. Careful watering and good airflow help reduce that risk. Grow young plants in light shade through their first winter. Plant them outside in late spring or early summer.