Leptecophylla juniperina aka Leptecophylla Juniperina

Leptecophylla juniperina is an evergreen shrub in the heather family, Ericaceae. Its common name is prickly cedar. The RHS lists Cyathodes juniperina as a synonym. Its native range covers southwestern and southeastern Australia and New Zealand. In New Zealand, it grows in forest and scrub. It occurs on North, South and Stewart Islands. Its habitats stretch from the coast into mountain zones.

The shrub grows slowly and reaches about 6.6 feet [2 metres]. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. Its steady growth suits places where plants need little space. PFAF records flowering from May to July. Each flower has both male and female parts. The fruit measures about 0.28 inches [7 millimetres] across. People can eat the fruit raw or cook it. The flesh is rather dry for a fruit. PFAF gives it a modest food-use rating of two out of five.

Choose a sheltered place with partial or dappled shade. It needs moist soil that drains well. A lime-free soil rich in humus meets its growing needs. It can also grow in poor soil. PFAF lists sandy, loamy and clay soils as suitable. Its stated pH range runs from mildly acid to neutral. Drought can harm this plant, so a dry site is unsuitable. It grows best where winters are moderate and summers stay cool and moist.

Its cold tolerance limits outdoor planting in Britain. PFAF suggests the mildest areas may offer suitable conditions. Elsewhere, it recommends growing the plant in a cold greenhouse. The shrub can serve as a rock garden plant. Woodland edges and sites with dappled shade are other options. Its fine roots need gentle handling when moving or potting. Young seedlings also form roots slowly and need care.

Raising plants from seed can take patience. Surface-sow seed in an ericaceous mix and leave it exposed to light. PFAF suggests sowing in February or March in a cold frame. Some seed sprouts within one or two months. Other seed may take three to five years. Scarification or alternating cold and warm periods may shorten the wait. Keep seedlings under glass for their first two growing seasons. PFAF reports no known hazards or medicinal uses. That record does not establish safety for pets.