Tasmanian mountain pepper
| Tasmanian mountain pepper | ||||||||||||
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Tasmanian mountain pepper ( Tasmannia lanceolata ) |
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| Tasmannia lanceolata | ||||||||||||
| ( Poir. ) ACSm. |
The Tasmanian mountain pepper ( Tasmannia lanceolata (Poir.) ACSm. , Syn .: Drimys lanceolata Poir. ), Also called Tasmanian pepper berry , is a species of the Tasmannia genus within the Winteraceae family .
features
Vegetative characteristics
The Tasmanian mountain pepper is an evergreen shrub or tree up to 10 m high . The main trunk is straight, the branches rise from acute angles. The branches are reddish, thick and hairless with a dark brown smooth bark with rough ridges extending from the base of each leaf. The lower bark is also dark brown and thin. The leaves are alternate with a short (2–4 mm), thick red stem. The thick lanceolate to narrowly elliptical or inverted lanceolate leaves are entire with a pointed tip and gradually narrowing base. The leaves are usually 5 to 8 cm long and 7 to 20 mm wide, smooth and silky on both sides, light green on top and slightly paler on the underside. They have numerous small spots, the oil glands.
Generative characteristics
The Tasmanian mountain pepper is diocesan . The flowers are small, yellowish or creamy white. Each flower arises from the axilla of a bud scale and forms clusters of eight to ten flowers that resemble a small end umbilicus. The flowers are 1–2 cm large on short 5–15 mm long stems. There are two to three outer, leaf-like 5 mm sepals that are fused and fall off soon after opening. The four to eight band-shaped petals are 5–7 mm in size. In the mostly larger male flower there are 20 to 25 stamens and one carpel in the female flower. The fruit is berry-like, pea-sized, shiny, dark red and turns black when ripe. It contains 10 to 18 seeds.
Chromosome number
The number of chromosomes is 2n = 28.
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ecology
The Tasmanian mountain pepper survives cold winters and tolerates temperatures down to −15 ° C. It can survive in rocky places exposed to wind, but prefers sheltered places. It grows on fertile, moist, well-drained lime-free soils - although clay soils are also tolerated - preferably in partially shaded places. It blooms in Tasmania from September to January. The berries ripen from March to April. The berries are used by birds e.g. B. from the genus Strepera consumed. The whole plant is aromatic and hot, the wood is very soft. The Tasmanian mountain pepper is resistant to the honey fungus , but sensitive to Phytophthora cinnamomi .
distribution
Tasmanian mountain pepper is found in New South Wales , the Blue Mountains , Victoria, and Tasmania . In Tasmania it occurs from sea level to alpine regions from 300 to 1400 m. It prefers cool, damp habitats and is common in cool temperate rainforests and open forests. It is also found in sub-alpine forest areas.
use
The leaves and berries are usually dried and used as a condiment. The fruits and seeds serve as a substitute for pepper or allspice .
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b c Tasmannia lanceolata. In: New South Wales Flora Online
- ^ A b c d Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (Tasmanian Government) .: Notesheet: Tasmannia lanceolata . ( gov.au [PDF]).
- ↑ Tasmannia lanceolata at Tropicos.org. In: IPCN Chromosome Reports . Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis
- ↑ Gernot Katzer: Tasmanian mountain pepper.
- ↑ Drimys lanceolata (Poir.) Baill. In: Plants For A Future
