Tasmanian Mountain Pepper has an outstanding hot peppery bush flavour. It's used in soups, savoury dishes and compliments all meat dishes. All parts of the tree can be eaten but the berries are only produced on the female plant. To get the berries you do need a male plant.
Finely chopped leaves are commonly used in cooking and make a great garnish, but beware - it's hot. Dried leaves are even hotter! To dry the leaves, pick and place in a dish in a sunny spot and leave until dry and brittle.
DESCRIPTION: Tasmanian Mountain Pepper Berry is a very attractive small tree with distinctive glossy, deep green leaves and crimson stems. Pepper Berry grows to about 3 metres but if trimmed regularly can be maintained as a shrub.
GROWING CONDITIONS: Tasmanian Mountain Pepper Berry grows naturally in cool damp places but is surprisingly tolerant of hot dry conditions if given an occasional deep watering.
FOR BEST RESULTS: Keep the roots moist and well mulched during hot dry conditions. Pruning can take place after fruiting or at any time you require leaves for cooking. Trimming the tips keeps your plant healthy and promotes the crimson new growth.
PLANTING IDEAS: Mountain Pepper's attractive foliage makes it ideally suited to formal gardens and as a hedge plant. It is suitable for large pots and containers but must be watered.
FAUNA: Attracts insectivorous birds
