Practical
Plants

Drimys lanceolata

Mountain Pepper

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Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Drimys
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Growth rate
slow
Height
4.5 m
Spread
2.5 m
Fertility
self sterile
Flower type
dioecious

Uses

Edible uses

The fruit and seed are used as a pepper and allspice substitute[1][12][3][15][16][2][8]. A pungent flavour[8][11]. The aromatic berries are edible according to one report[14], whilst another says that they taste somewhat like cinnamon.

Product or use
Condiment

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

Antiscorbutic, stomachic[5].

Product or use
Antiscorbutic
Product or use
Stomachic

Material uses

This species makes an excellent windbreak in woodland, it is widely grown as a hedge in mild temperate regions[14]. Wood - soft, only moderate strength[6].

Product or use
Wood

Ecology and functions

Hedge

Environment

Range
Australia - New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria.
Habitat
Moist places in mountain forests and also in alpine zones to 1500 metres[5].
Shade tolerance
partial shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 8+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
acid, neutral
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
high wind
Wind
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse[13]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10 - 15 cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Approximately 60% take[17]. Layering in March/April. Takes 12 months[17]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth with a heel of older wood, November in a cold frame[17].

Cultivation

Requires a light lime-free soil in semi-shade[13]. Prefers a fertile moist but well-drained soil[10]. A fairly hardy species, surviving very cold winters in various parts of the country so long as it is in a suitable position[4]. It tolerates temperatures down to about -15°c[9], but plants are liable to be damaged in cold winters. This species is hardier than D. winteri according to one report[4] whilst another says that it is less hardy than D. winteri[13]. All parts of the plant are very aromatic and pungent[7][9]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[13]. Plants are usually dioecious though monoecious and hermaphrodite forms are known. Male and female plants must usually be grown if seed is required.

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

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  2. Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00

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  3. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

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  4. ? The Plantsman. Vol. 2. 1980 - 1981. Royal Horticultural Society 1980-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  5. Lassak. E. V. and McCarthy. T. Australian Medicinal Plants.

    ↩1↩2

  6. Ewart. A. J. Flora of Victoria.

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  7. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

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  8. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩1↩2

  9. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2

    ↩1↩2

  10. Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7

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  11. Low. T. Wild Food Plants of Australia. Angus and Robertson. 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-207-14383-8

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  12. Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20459-6

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  13. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  14. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

    ↩1↩2

  15. Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00

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  16. Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202

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  17. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

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