Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked):Angiosperms
(unranked):Eudicots
(unranked):Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Leptecophylla
Species:L. juniperina
Binomial name: Leptecophylla juniperina
Synonyms: Cyathodes juniperina, Styphelia juniperina, Epacris juniperina, Leucopogon juniperinus
Common name: Prickly Mingimingi
Leptecophylla juniperina is a common native, endemic, spreading, shrub found throughout New Zealand. It is identified by its narrow 6-15 mm long, sharply-pointed leaves, greyish black stems and its bright red or white berries.
Leptecophylla juniperina grows to 1.5m tall with many branches. In exposed situations can be dwarfed or prostrate. During August to December (mainly October/November) small bell-shaped white flowers. The flowers have greenish white petals fused into a 3-4 mm tube with the tips of the petals spreading apart and lacking hairs. The five stamens are fused to the petal tube and surround a central ovary with a terminal stigma. They are solitary in the axils of the leaves. Flowers are followed by red/white berry-like fruit which are slightly flattened at the top and bottom. They are 4-7 mm in diameter. The colour of the fruits varies on different bushes, from bright red to pink or white.
White berries
Red berries
Thanks to Wikipedia for text and information: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
