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Description
Gaultheria Antipoda, also known as New Zealand mountain snowberry, is a flowering shrub native to New Zealand. It belongs to the Ericaceae family, which includes blueberries, cranberries, and rhododendrons. The plant has dark green, glossy leaves and produces small, white, bell-shaped flowers in the summer. The flowers are followed by pink or red fruit, which are edible but not commonly consumed.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Gaultheria |
Appearance
Gaultheria Antipoda is a small, evergreen shrub that grows up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It has dark green, glossy leaves that are oval-shaped and about 1 inch long. The leaves are slightly serrated along the edges and have a leathery texture. The plant produces small, white, bell-shaped flowers in the summer that are followed by pink or red fruit. The fruit are about the size of a pea and have a slightly sweet flavor.
Care Guide
Gaultheria Antipoda is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It prefers moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. The plant should be watered regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Gaultheria Antipoda does not require fertilization, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring if desired. The plant prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Gaultheria Antipoda is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gaultheria Antipoda is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is poorly drained. The plant can also be affected by powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Powdery mildew can be treated with a fungicide spray.
Habitat
Gaultheria Antipoda is native to New Zealand and is found in mountainous regions throughout the country. The plant prefers cool, moist environments and is commonly found in subalpine and alpine areas. Gaultheria Antipoda is often found growing in association with other Ericaceae species, such as heath and manuka.
Question and Answer
1. Is Gaultheria Antipoda toxic?
Answer: No, Gaultheria Antipoda is not toxic, but the fruit is not commonly consumed.
2. Can Gaultheria Antipoda tolerate full sun?
Answer: Gaultheria Antipoda prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
3. What is the hardiness zone for Gaultheria Antipoda?
Answer: Gaultheria Antipoda is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
4. What is the size of Gaultheria Antipoda?
Answer: Gaultheria Antipoda is a small shrub that grows up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
Related Plants
- Gaultheria Shallon
- Gaultheria Procumbens
- Gaultheria Mucronata
References
- https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/gaultheria-antipoda/
- https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/gauant/all.html
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/gaultheria-antipoda-new-zealand-mountain-snowberry
