Low, spreading, with little berries tucked underneath like secrets. Gaultheria depressa forms dense mats of glossy green leaves. The berries are white or pale pink. They are hidden beneath the foliage. You have to lift the leaves to find them. The leaves are small, oval, glossy, dark green. They are aromatic when crushed. The stems are wiry, creeping, rooting at nodes. The flowers are small, white, urn-shaped. They hang beneath the leaves. The berries are fleshy. They are edible but bland. Gaultheria depressa grows on rocky slopes, in gravelly soils, on exposed sites. It tolerates poor soil. It tolerates drought. It tolerates cold. The name depressa means flattened or prostrate. The plant grows flat against the ground. The species is endemic to New Zealand. It is found throughout the country. In the alpine zone, snowberry groundcover forms mats. It stabilises soil. It provides cover for insects. The berries are eaten by birds. The genus Gaultheria includes the North American wintergreen. The leaves have a similar aroma. Gaultheria depressa is not threatened. It is common. It is widespread. This snowberry groundcover is a reminder. The best berries are the ones you have to hunt for. Hidden beneath the leaves. Secret. Gaultheria depressa has no recognised Māori name. The genus Gaultheria includes species known as kairaro or tōwai. This prostrate form grows in alpine and coastal areas. Its berries would have been known, if not highly valued. No significant threats exist. Alpine habitats are threatened by climate change, but this species is widespread. It is found throughout New Zealand, from alpine to coastal zones. Not threatened. It carries on.