Vaccinium australe
Small
South Eastern Highbush blueberry
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Summary
Source: WikipediaA deciduous shrub growing to 1.5 m tall and wide at a medium rate, hardy to UK zone 2. Non-self-fertile with bee-pollinated flowers. Notable for attracting wildlife. Grows in light sandy to medium loamy soil with mild to very acid pH. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil. Cannot tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Description
A deciduous shrub growing to 1.5 m tall and wide at a medium rate, hardy to UK zone 2. Non-self-fertile with bee-pollinated flowers. Notable for attracting wildlife. Grows in light sandy to medium loamy soil with mild to very acid pH. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil. Cannot tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Edible Uses
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It is usually sweet and juicy, though flavour can vary. It works well in pies, pastries, cereals, and jellies, and can be dried for use like raisins. The fruit is rich in vitamin C and about 15mm in diameter. A tea can also be made from the leaves and dried fruit.
Medicinal Uses
The fruit is rich in vitamin C and has astringent and pectoral properties.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
North America, USA,
Cultivation
Blueberries: In warmer areas grow Southern Highbush and Rabbiteye (low chill) varieties while in cooler areas and areas that experience frost grow Northern Highbush (high chill) varieties. Requires a moist but freely-draining lime free soil, preferring one that is rich in peat or a light loamy soil with added leaf-mould. Prefers a very acid soil with a pH in the range of 4.5 to 6, plants soon become chlorotic when lime is present. Succeeds in full sun or light shade though it fruits better in a sunny position. Requires shelter from strong winds. Hardy to about -25?c. Often cultivated for its edible fruit in America. It usually blossoms freely in Britain. Plants are at least partially self-sterile, more than one variety is required in order to obtain good yields of fruit. Dislikes root disturbance, plants are best grown in pots until being planted out in their permanent positions. leave the fruit on the shrub until the last minute, as the fruit is very acidic and will not ripen after being picked. Does not grow well with blackberries or raspberries. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagation
Seed should be sown in late winter in a greenhouse using a lime-free potting mix, barely covered. Stored seed may require up to 3 months of cold stratification. Alternatively, sow seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe. Once seedlings reach about 5cm tall, prick them out into individual pots and grow on in a lightly shaded position in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Greenwood cuttings can be taken in May or June in a shady position in a compost containing some peat. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5–8cm with a heel, can be taken in August in a frame, though this is slow and difficult. Mature wood cuttings harvested in November can be stored in a fridge and planted in a frame in March. Layering can be done in late summer or early autumn, or in spring according to some reports, and takes 18 months. Division of suckers can be carried out in spring or early autumn.
Other Uses
A valuable plant for bees. Grows well in acid soil. A purple dye can be obtained from the fruit and leaves.
Dangerous Lookalikes
This plant can be confused with the following toxic species. Always verify identification carefully before consuming any wild plant.
Deadly Nightshade
Atropa belladonna
Joan Simon from Barcelona, España
South Eastern Highbush blueberry
Vaccinium australe
Wikimedia Commons - Darkone (talk · contribs)
Deadly Nightshade: Tall herbaceous plant (1-2m), single shiny black cherry-sized berries, star-shaped calyx, large oval leaves, sweet but dangerous taste.
South Eastern Highbush blueberry: Low woody shrub, berries in clusters with crown/remnant calyx ring, sweet taste.
Synonyms
Also Known As
South Eastern Highbush blueberry, High-bush blueberry, Bleuet en corymbe
References (3)
- Fl. s.e. U.S. 895. 1903
- Glowinski, L., 1999, The Complete Book of Fruit Growing in Australia. Lothian. p 158
- John, L., & Stevenson, V., 1979, The Complete Book of Fruit. Angus & Robertson p 84
