Leptecophylla is a genus of flowering plants in the Epacridaceae family, a subfamily of Ericaceae. The genus is native to southeastern Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands. Some species in this genus were formerly classified within the genera Cyathodes, Lissanthe, Styphelia and Trochocarpa.

Leptecophylla
Leptecophylla juniperina, Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Subfamily: Epacridoideae
Tribe: Styphelieae
Genus: Leptecophylla
C.M.Weiller

The genus is a harder, erect shrub with small sharply pointed leaves and the distinguishable pink berries (although they are also found to be red or white). The plant's fruit is edible, raw or cooked. The genus can grow anywhere between 30 cm to 3 meters in height depending on the species.

As of August 2023, Plants of the World Online accepted 14 species:[1]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Leptecophylla C.M.Weiller". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2018-12-25.