Common Name:

General Information

Gaultheria myrsinoides is a low-growing evergreen shrub, reaching a height of about 15cm.
The plant produces an edible fruit which is sometimes gathered from the wild and consumed locally. It is often grown as an ornamental in gardens, where it makes a good ground cover.

Known Hazards

One report says that the fruit is poisonous[]. This is somewhat surprising in what is normally seen as a toxin-free genus.

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - Costa Rica to the Andes of N. Chile.

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.15 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of higher elevations in the tropics, where it is usually found at elevations above 2,000 metres, though it can descend to below 1,000 metres in Costa Rica. This species only tolerates light and short-lived frosts[].
Prefers a cool moist but not boggy humus rich soil in shade or semi-shade[, ]. A peat and moisture loving species, it requires a lime-free soil[, ]. Prefers a position in full sun, but it also tolerates light shade[, ].
Closely related to G. Pumila leucocarpa.
This is an interesting plant for the rock garden.
Dioecious. Male and female plants must usually be grown if seed is required. This species, however, does not need a male pollinator in order to fruit well.
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. The purple to black, globose fruit is up to 15mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A good ground cover plant for a sunny position or light shade, forming dense thickets[]. Plants should be spaced about 1 metre apart each way[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

The seed requires a period of cold stratification. Pre-chill for 4 - 10 weeks and then surface sow in a lime-free compost in a shady part of the greenhouse and keep the compost moist[]. The seed usually germinates well, usually within 1 - 2 months at 20°c, but the seedlings are liable to damp off. It is important to water them with care and to ensure that they get plenty of ventilation. Watering them with a garlic infusion can also help to prevent damping of[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are about 25mm tall and grow them on in light shade until large enough to plant out.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood 3 - 6cm long, in a frame in a shady position. A good percentage usually take.
Division, preferably when doemant[]. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on until they are rooting well.
Layering.

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: How many suns are in our solar system