Gaultheria mucronata syn. Pernettya mucronata (L. fil.) Gaud Prickly Heath; Lily of The Valley Tree. (Ericaceae) Native of S. Chile and S. Argentina to about 40°S, forming extensive heathland. Evergreen shrub to 1.5 m, suckering to form thickets. Leaves spine-tipped, to 1.8 cm long. Flowers white, 6 mm long. Fruits spongy, to 15 mm across, varying from white to purple. Many clones have been named, and a selection is shown here. The plants are said to be partly unisexual, partly hermaphrodite, and to ensure good fruit production, it is advisable to plant a good male close to the female fruiting clones. Acid, moist soil; sun or part shade. Hardy to -15°C. Winter-spring fruiting.