Tasmannia lanceolata

Tasmannia lanceolata, common name Mountain Pepper, is a shrub native to woodlands and cool temperate rainforest of south-eastern Australia. The shrub varies from 2 to 10 m high. The aromatic leaves are lanceolate to narrow-elliptic or oblanceolate, 4–12 cm long, and 0.7–2.0 cm wide, 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 5–8 mm wide, which appear in autumn. There are separate male and female plants. Polygodial has been identified as the primary active compound in Tasmannia lanceolata, and is also responsible for its peppery taste. The fruits also contain benzoic acids, flavanols, and flavanones, as well as eugenol, methyl eugenol, and gallic acid, and also the glycosides quercetin and rutin. The leaf and berry are used as a spice, typically dried. Tasmanian pepperberry was used as a colonial pepper substitute. More recently, it has become popularised as a bushfood condiment. It can be added to curries, cheeses, and alcoholic beverages. It is exported to Japan to flavour wasabi. The berries are sweet and fruity at first with a lingering peppery aftertaste. Dried T. lanceolata berries and leaves have strong antimicrobial activity against food spoilage organisms. It also has high antioxidant activity. 

Significance to the Kurnai community

May have been used for flavouring cooking. Other traditional uses for the berries have been noted including;

• People crushed the berries or leaves with water into a paste and applied it directly to the mouth to ease tooth pain and treat gum infections.
• Antiseptic and Anti-inflammatory: The high levels of active compounds and antioxidants helped soothe skin discomfort and calm inflammation.
• Digestive Complaints: Traditional knowledge points to the plant being used to treat stomach aches, colic, and digestive issues. 

253.00 Location E7 Latitude;  -38.403027600000  Longitute:  146.053974900000

253.01 Many specimens form part of the Tarwin River bank restoration plantings. Planted in 2021.