Microcachrys tetragona aka Creeping Pine

Microcachrys tetragona is an evergreen conifer from Tasmania's mountains. It belongs to the Podocarpaceae family. Common names include creeping pine and creeping strawberry pine. It grows in alpine and subalpine sites, including western Tasmania. Its low, spreading form suits use as ground cover. Plants For A Future also lists it for beds and woodland edges.

In gardens, it reaches about 0.5–0.7 feet [0.15–0.2 metres] tall. Its spread can reach 6.6 feet [2 metres]. Oregon State reports heights of 3.3 feet [1 metre] at high altitudes. Growth is slow. Long, thin branchlets spread out from the plant. Each branchlet has four angles. Small, scale-like leaves crowd the stems in four neat rows. They overlap and stay on the plant year-round.

The plant bears small cones rather than flowers. Male cones measure about 0.08 inches long and contain many stamens. Female cones become fleshy and bright red as they ripen. Their rounded or egg-like shape recalls a small mulberry. Sources differ on how the plant bears its sexes. Oregon State describes both sexes on separate branches of one plant. Plants For A Future says separate male and female plants are usual. It also notes that some plants bear both sexes. Wind carries the pollen. Female plants may form fruit without a male, but fertile seed needs pollen.

Grow it in sun or light shade, with ample water. Light shade may help where summers are hot and dry. It needs moist soil, high humidity, and plenty of rain. Oregon State recommends good drainage and soil rich in organic matter. Plants For A Future lists sandy, loamy, and clay soils as suitable. It also accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline ground. That source gives USDA zones 7–10; Oregon State gives zone 8. Plants For A Future reports outdoor success across much of Britain.

Plants For A Future lists the small fruit as edible raw. It compares the size to a small blackcurrant and notes little flavour. It reports no known hazards, medicinal uses, or other uses. This does not establish safety for pets. Seed can take a long time to sprout. Stored seed may need twelve months of stratification. Plants For A Future advises sheltering seedlings through their first winter.