Plant Details

Drimys lanceolata

Mountain pepper

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Drimys lanceolata.

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Common names

3 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Mountain pepper
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Peperboom
French
  • Poivre de Tasmanie
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Drimys lanceolata
Accepted name (Kew): Tasmannia lanceolata View name reference ↗

Accepted in the cited taxonomic treatment. Botanical references may use alternative names.

Sources [1]
Botanical family: Winteraceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Drimys (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Mountain pepper

Plant characteristics

Layer: Shrub
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 4.50 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Growth rate: Slow
Foliage: Evergreen

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 7-10
Soil moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium)
pH:
Acidic Neutral
Light:
Partial shade

Uses

Edible parts:
Condiment
Edibility rating:
(3)
Medicinal rating:
(1)
Functions:
Hedge, Wood, Fragrant

Description

The fruits and seeds of this plant are used as a substitute for pepper and allspice due to their sharp flavor. According to some sources, the aromatic berries are edible, while others claim that they have a somewhat cinnamon-like taste.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/09
Harvest ends: 31/10

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: TaxonomyBotanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: WCVP version 16, wcvp_names.csv: Drimys lanceolata (Poir.) Baill., name ID 2777941, row 259765; Tasmannia lanceolata (Poir.) A.C.Sm., name ID 2519010, row 259760
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 61670; name ID 2777885; Drimys J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.