Tasmannia lanceolata (Tasmanian Pepperberry)

Tasmannia lanceolata (syn. Drimys aromatica, Drimys lanceolata), commonly known as Tasmanian pepperberry or mountain pepper, is a shrub native to woodlands and cool temperate rainforest of south-eastern Australia. The shrub varies from 2–10m tall. The aromatic leaves are lanceolate to narrow-elliptic or oblanceolate, 4–12cm long, and 0.7–2cm across, with a distinctly pale undersurface. Stems are quite red in colour. The small cream or white flowers appear in summer and are followed by black, globose, two-lobed berries 5–8mm across, which appear in autumn. There are separate male and female plants.

The leaf and berry have long been used as a spice, typically dried. More recently, it has become popularised as a bushfood condiment. It can be added to curries, cheeses, and beverages. It is exported to Japan to flavour wasabi. The berries are sweet and fruity at first with a lingering peppery aftertaste.