Family:	Ericaceae
	Distribution:	Moist, alpine areas in eastern New South Wales and Victoria.
	Common Name:	Waxberry.
	Derivation of Name:	Gaultheria; after Jean-Francois Gaultier, a Canadian botanist. apressa; closely and flatly pressed against a surface, referring to the hairs on the stems.
	Conservation Status:	Not considered to be at risk in the wild.

General Description:

The plant family Ericaceae is widespread in many parts of the globe, particularly Europe and South Africa, but is fairly poorly represented in Australia where the Epacridaceae tend to occupy equivalent ecological niches. It contains a number of widely cultivated plants such as Erica, Rhododendron and Pieris.

Gaultheria is one of about half a dozen Australian members of the Erica family. It is a genus of over 100 species but there are only 3 species native to Australia. All are confined to high altitude areas.

G.appressa is a small shrub usually less than a metre high but sometimes reaching 2 metres. The leaves are elliptical and are dark, glossy green, about 50mm long with finely toothed margins. The small tubular flowers occur in clusters at the ends of the branches and are followed by waxy, white or pink berries up to 10mm in diameter. The edible (but not palatable) fruit is the most conspicuous feature of the plant.

Waxberry is not common in cultivation but has been grown successfully in moist, well drained soils in a protected position. It is best suited to temperate or sub-tropical regions and is tolerant of heavy frosts.

Propagation may be carried out from seed but this is not readily available. Cuttings are successful but may be slow to strike.