Leucopogon fasciculatus aka Tall Mingimingi

Leucopogon fasciculatus is an evergreen shrub in the heath family, Ericaceae. It is native to New Zealand, where it also forms small trees. The RHS lists Cyathodes fasciculata as a synonym. That name appears in the Plants For A Future account. It grows in forest and scrub on both main islands. Its range extends from the coast into lower mountain zones. The southern limit given lies near latitude 44° south.

This slow-growing plant reaches about 13 feet [4 metres] in height. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. Each flower has both male and female organs. The fruit is edible and has sweet flesh. Reports differ on its texture, describing it as mealy or juicy. The supplied sources give no details of flower colour or season. They also leave leaf shape and bark features undescribed. No mature spread is given.

In gardens, it needs shelter and partial or dappled shade. A woodland edge offers the sort of setting described. The soil should hold moisture but let excess water drain. Plants For A Future recommends humus-rich soil without lime. Its account lists sandy, loamy and clay soils as suitable. It also lists mildly acid to neutral soil conditions. Drought can harm this plant, so dry sites are poor choices. It grows best with moderate winters and cool, moist summers. It has limited hardiness in Britain. Outdoor growing may succeed in the country's milder areas.

Its evergreen form suits woodland gardens and shaded garden edges. Plants For A Future also suggests it for rock gardens. Its fine roots need care during any move. Seedlings can take a long time to form roots. Seed germination is uneven and may take several years. Surface-sown seed needs light, according to the propagation notes. Alternating cold and warm periods may help shorten the wait. Young plants need protected growing conditions before planting outside. Half-ripe cuttings offer another means of propagation.

The fruit provides a food use, but no medicinal use is recorded. Plants For A Future lists no other uses or known hazards. That does not establish safety for every person or pet. The supplied evidence names no pests or diseases. It also gives no formal hardiness zone.