Nertera ciliata
Kirk.
(c) Chris Ecroyd, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Chris Ecroyd
(c) Leon Perrie, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Leon Perrie
(c) Leon Perrie, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Leon Perrie
What to Eat
Edible parts: Fruit
Fruit - raw. The fruit is a berry about 4mm in diameter with a single seed.
Where to Find It
New Zealand.
Coming Soon
How to Identify
Nertera ciliata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
How to Grow
Requires a light well-drained soil in semi-shade and shelter from cold winds. Plants are intolerant of excessive winter wet. A prostrate mat-forming plant that forms roots at the nodes of stems, it grows well in a rock garden in areas where frosts are light and short-lived. It succeeds outdoors only in the milder areas of Britain.
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a shaded part of a cool greenhouse or cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a lightly shaded position 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. Consider giving the plants some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors. Division in spring.
