THE ALPINE JEWEL: A highly rare, prostrate Tasmanian endemic famous for its striking red 'strawberry' cones.

Exceptional mainland scarcity. Offering 140mm tubestock and 200mm advanced specimens cultivated from genuine Tasmanian genetics.

Creeping Strawberry Pine (Microcachrys tetragona)

$39.95

Rare Tasmanian Sourcing

Dispatched from NSW. Direct local supply available for TAS. WA & NT orders must process through the Plant Concierge.

Endemic to Tasmania's Alpine Highlands
Prostrate Creeping Habit
Premium Bonsai Material
Ultimate Alpine Frost Hardiness

Out of stock

This product is currently sold out.

No worries! Enter your email, and we'll let you know as soon as it's back in stock.

I have read and accept the privacy policy

Secure Payments

Compare

The Crown Jewel of the Tasmanian Alpine

Found clinging to the freezing, wind-swept dolerite boulders of Cradle Mountain and Mount Field, the Creeping Strawberry Pine (Microcachrys tetragona) is a botanical masterpiece. This ancient Gondwana survivor is a prostrate, ground-hugging conifer that produces unique, four-angled whip-like foliage and, on female plants, spectacular fleshy red cones that resemble tiny strawberries. Finding this species on the Australian mainland is notoriously difficult. At Sequoia Valley Farms, we have bridged that gap. Leveraging our extensive Tasmanian network, we cultivate pristine 140mm stock right here in Mittagong, while also offering access to highly advanced 200mm TAS-certified specimens. Whether you are a dedicated native bonsai artist, a cool-climate rockery designer, or a Tasmanian landscaper requiring direct island supply, we are your premier source for this elusive alpine treasure.

Unrivalled mainland access to an incredibly rare Tasmanian alpine endemic

The ultimate native bonsai subject, highly prized for its tiny foliage and rugged character

Dual logistics — shipping acclimatised stock from NSW, with direct network supply for TAS locals

Available in both popular 140mm collector sizes and advanced 200mm landscape grades

At a Glance

Pot Sizes: 140mm / 200mm
Est. Height: 18–25cm (measured from the base of the pot; primarily spreads outward)
Mature Size: 1–2m spread, hugging the ground (Extremely slow-growing)
Growth Habit: Prostrate, cascading, creeping evergreen dwarf
Style: Alpine Rockery / Native Bonsai / Gondwana Collector / Cascading Wall Feature

CULTIVATING ALPINE SCARCITY*
*Because it is an alpine dwarf, a 18–25cm plant represents years of slow, meticulous cultivation. It naturally grows outward and downward rather than upward.

The Creeping Strawberry Pine (Microcachrys tetragona) is the sole living species in its genus, making it a true living fossil of the Podocarpaceae family. It gets its specific name “tetragona” from its fascinating foliage—the tiny scale-like leaves are arranged in four distinct, geometric rows, giving the branches a beautiful square, whip-like appearance. In a landscape setting, it forms a dense, cascading mat of deep green that looks absolutely spectacular, spilling over retaining walls or creeping through rockeries.

This species is highly sought after because it is “dioecious”—meaning individual plants are either male or female. While the males produce charming, tiny yellowish pollen cones, the mature females produce the famous fleshy, bright red, translucent “strawberry” cones that give the plant its name. Because of this, serious collectors often purchase multiples to ensure a spectacular display. If you want to buy a Creeping Strawberry Pine, we are one of the only nurseries in Australia with the network and expertise to supply mainland growers.

The 'Strawberry' Cones: Mature female plants produce highly ornamental, fleshy, bright red seed cones in autumn that look like tiny, jewel-like strawberries.
The Ultimate Rockery Plant: Its natural, ground-hugging prostrate habit makes it the perfect architectural plant to cascade over boulders, alpine troughs, and retaining walls.
Bonsai Masterpiece: With its tiny, four-angled foliage and flexible, creeping stems, it is a highly responsive and deeply prized subject for cascade-style native bonsai.
Ice-Age Survivor: Evolved to survive buried under Tasmanian snow, this species is completely immune to the harshest frosts the mainland can throw at it.

Complete the Tasmanian Alpine Trough

Pair the Creeping Strawberry Pine with its high-altitude Gondwana neighbours.

A vigorous, healthy 140mm potted Creeping Strawberry Pine (Microcachrys tetragona) ready for dispatch, demonstrating its low, spreading habit. Microcachrys tetragona for sale. Creeping Strawberry Pine

Quick view

Compare

Tasmanian Dwarf Pine (Diselma archeri)

Creeping Strawberry Pine (Microcachrys tetragona)

Mount Mawson Pine (Pherosphaera hookeriana)

Celery-top Pine (Phyllocladus aspleniifolius)

Tasmanian Dwarf Pine (Diselma archeri)

For 4 items

Trusted by Gardeners Like You

★★★★★

"I have been searching for Microcachrys tetragona for a cascade bonsai project for years. The 140mm specimen from SVF was incredibly healthy, with perfect whip-like foliage and great root structure."

— Liam K. — Bonsai Artist, Oakleigh (VIC)

★★★★★

"I bought three of these to ensure I had both male and female plants. SVF's packaging was brilliant, and they are now happily creeping over the rocks in my Blue Mountains alpine garden. A truly rare find on the mainland."

— Marion D. S. — Rare Plant Collector, Wentworth Falls (NSW)

★★★★★

"As a Tasmanian landscaper, getting specific alpine species in advanced sizes can actually be tough. SVF utilised their local Tassie network to supply us with stunning 200mm stock directly, bypassing mainland freight entirely."

— Mark S. — Landscape Designer, Sorell (TAS)

Why doesn't my plant have the red "strawberries"?

Microcachrys tetragona is a dioecious species, meaning plants are either male or female. Only mature female plants produce the red, fleshy cones, and they must be pollinated by a nearby male plant (which produces tiny yellow pollen cones). Because our stock is grown from seed/cuttings, we recommend buying multiple plants to increase your chances of a spectacular red display!

Is it actually a Pine tree?

No! Despite the common name, it is not a true pine (Pinaceae). It is a member of the ancient family Podocarpaceae, which includes other Gondwanan giants such as the Plum Pine and the Outeniqua Yellowwood.

Can it survive the heat of Sydney or Brisbane?

We strongly advise against it. This is a true alpine species. It requires distinct winter chilling and a cool root run. High humidity, warm nights, and baking summer heat will cause it to fail. It is strictly suited to TAS, VIC, the Southern Highlands, Blue Mountains, and other cool-temperate zones.

How do you handle shipping to Tasmania and WA?

For Tasmanian customers, we can fulfil your order directly through our local Tasmanian growing network, completely bypassing Bass Strait biosecurity. For WA and NT customers, because these plants are small and prostrate (18–25cm), they easily clear Express Post size limits and can be safely shipped via our Plant Concierge for treatment.

Detailed Description and Specs

The Creeping Strawberry Pine (Microcachrys tetragona) is a botanical marvel and the only surviving species in its genus. It is strictly endemic to the alpine and subalpine regions of western and central Tasmania, particularly around the iconic peaks of Cradle Mountain and Mount Field.

It is a low-growing, prostrate, and heavily branching evergreen shrub that naturally forms a dense, cascading mat. The specific epithet “tetragona” refers to its tiny, scale-like leaves, which are arranged in four uniform geometric rows along the stem, giving the branchlets a distinctly square profile. It is a dioecious plant: male plants bear tiny, yellowish-brown pollen strobili at the branch tips, while female plants produce highly ornamental, fleshy, translucent red seed cones that vividly resemble tiny strawberries.

Species: Microcachrys tetragona (Creeping Strawberry Pine)
Foliage: Tiny, scale-like dark green leaves arranged in four geometric rows (tetragonal).
Cones (Female): Fleshy, bright translucent red “strawberry” cones in autumn.
Cones (Male): Tiny, yellowish-brown terminal pollen strobili.
Best For: Alpine rockeries, cascading walls, trough gardens, and bonsai.

Care and Planting Guide

To succeed with the Creeping Strawberry Pine on the mainland, you must replicate its cool, damp alpine environment.

Sunlight & Location: In its native Tasmania, it grows in full sun. On the mainland, it must be protected from scorching afternoon summer sun. Dappled light or morning sun with a cool, shaded aspect is best to prevent foliage burn.
Soil & Drainage: It demands exceptional drainage but cannot tolerate drying out. Plant it in a gritty, free-draining rockery mix rich in organic matter. Do not plant it in heavy clay or waterlogged soils.
Watering: The root zone must remain consistently cool and moist. Applying a thick layer of gravel or stone mulch around the base will help retain moisture and insulate the shallow root system from summer heat.
Pot Culture: It is an exceptionally long-term container plant. Use a premium, free-draining native mix and ensure terracotta or ceramic pots are kept shaded during heatwaves so the roots do not bake.

Shipping and Delivery

Eastern States (NSW, ACT, VIC, SA)
Our acclimatised 140mm and 200mm stock is eligible for standard shipping via our secure specialist plant freight network, dispatched directly from our NSW hub or TAS-certified Victorian partners.

Tasmania (TAS) – Direct Local Supply
We maintain robust logistical pathways for our Tasmanian buyers. We can fulfil your order directly from our local Tasmanian network, completely bypassing Bass Strait biosecurity treatments and ensuring authentic local provenance.

Western Australia & Northern Territory (WA & NT)
Shipping to WA and NT is subject to strict interstate biosecurity inspections and mandatory quarantine treatments via our Plant Concierge. Because this is a prostrate, low-growing alpine species (typically spreading rather than growing tall), our 18–25cm stock comfortably clears the maximum 105cm length limit imposed by Express Post for these states.

Secure the Ultimate Alpine Jewel

Shop More Trees