Tasmannia stipitata

Tasmannia stipitata, also known as the Dorrigo Pepper or the Northern Pepperbush, is a shrub native to the rainforests of the northern tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. It is part of the Winteraceae family, which is a group of aromatic trees and shrubs. The plant is named after the botanist Robert Brown who first collected samples of the plant in Tasmania.

Description

The Tasmannia stipitata is a shrub that grows up to 5 meters tall. The leaves are lanceolate, about 4-12 cm long and 0.7-2.5 cm wide. The plant produces small, white flowers in the summer, followed by dark purple berries in the autumn. The berries are about 5-6 mm in diameter and have a strong, hot peppery taste.

Cultivation and Uses

The Tasmannia stipitata is cultivated for its leaves and berries, which are used as a spice in cooking. The leaves can be used fresh or dried and ground into a powder. The berries can be used fresh or dried and are often used in place of traditional black pepper. The plant is also used in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

Conservation Status

The Tasmannia stipitata is not currently listed as threatened or endangered. However, its habitat is under threat from deforestation and climate change, which could potentially impact the survival of the species in the future.

See Also

• Tasmannia
• Winteraceae
• Robert Brown
• Dorrigo Pepper
• Northern Pepperbush