Acrotriche spp.
ground-berry
Overview
Acrotriche spp. is a genus of small evergreen shrubs in the heath family (Ericaceae), with about fourteen species native to Australia. Most are low, spreading, wiry shrubs 0.1–1.5 m (4 in to 5 ft) tall, with crowded, stiff, narrow leaves 0.5–2 cm (0.2–0.8 in) long that end in a sharp point. Tiny tubular flowers, green, cream, or pale brown, hang in short dense spikes among or below the leaves, often hidden, and produce nectar that draws ants, birds, and small mammals. The flowers are followed by small fleshy berries, green ripening to red, purple, or black, that are eaten by wildlife and, in A. depressa, by people as a bush food known as ground-berry. Acrotriche spp. grows in full sun to light shade on free-draining sandy or gravelly soils in heath, woodland, and mallee, and tolerates drought, poor soil, and exposure once established. Most species are hardy to light frost but decline on rich, wet, or limy soils. The prickly foliage and low habit make some species useful ground cover. Plants are slow-growing and slow to establish from seed.
Native Range
Acrotriche spp. is native to Australia, across the southern and eastern states, from coastal heath and woodland to inland mallee and dry forest. The shrubs grow on sandy, gravelly, and rocky soils, often in nutrient-poor ground, from the coast into the ranges.Suggested Uses
Planted in native, heath, and dry gardens, on banks and rockeries, and as low, prickly ground cover on poor sandy soils. Grown for bird- and mammal-attracting flowers and fruit in habitat plantings. Suited to lean, free-draining sites rather than rich, watered borders.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 5'
Width/Spread1' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Acrotriche spp. flowers mainly in autumn, winter, and early spring, depending on species and region, when little else is in bloom. The small flowers open over several weeks in short spikes. Berries ripen weeks to months later and may persist on the plant.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
green to creamFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Acrotriche spp. in full sun to light shade on sharp, free-draining sandy or gravelly soil that is low in nutrients. It tolerates drought, exposure, and poor ground once established but declines on rich, wet, or limy soils. A soil pH from about 5.0 to 6.5 suits most species. Water lightly until established, after which little extra water is needed. Most species withstand light frost. Plants are slow to grow and do better with a gravel or leaf-litter mulch over the roots.Pruning
Acrotriche spp. needs little pruning. A light trim after flowering keeps low species dense and shapely. Hard pruning into bare old wood is risky, as many species are slow to resprout.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons