Common Name:

General Information

Gaultheria nummularioides is a small, many-branched, prostrate shrub about 10cm tall and spreading to form a clump 50cm or more wide.
The edible fruit is harvested from the wild and consumed locally. The plant is sometimes grown as a ground cover in gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - Himalayas from Himachel Pradesh to southwestern China and Myanmar, Indonesia.

Habitat

Evergreen Pinus, Tsuga, Picea, or Abies forests, often on rocks and banks, rarely on trees; at elevations from 1,000 - 2,000, occasionally to 4,000 metres[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.10 m
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Gaultheria nummularioides is a plant of moderate to high elevations in the tropics and subtropics. It only tolerates light and short-lived frosts[].
Prefers a moist but not boggy humus rich soil in shade or semi-shade[]. A peat and moisture loving species, it requires a lime-free soil[] and a sheltered position[].
The bruised leaves have a distinct cedar-like aroma[]. The flowers are also aromatic[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. A watery flavour[]. The fruit is quite tasty raw, but it is small and rather fiddly to harvest[]. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A good ground cover plant for shady positions[]. A carpeting plant that roots as it spreads, it should be spaced about 60cm 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.

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