Vaccinium darrowii
Camp
Darrow's Blueberry
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Summary
Source: WikipediaVaccinium darrowii, with the common names Darrow's blueberry, evergreen blueberry, scrub blueberry, is a species of Vaccinium in the blueberry group (Vaccinium sect. Cyanococcus).
Description
It is similar to Vaccinium myrsinites. It is an evergreen shrub. It grows 90 cm high and spreads by rhizomes. The leaves are pale green and 1.25 cm long by 5 mm wide. The flowers are round or urn shaped. They are 5 mm long. They are white and can be tinged with pink. The fruit are light blue berries.
Edible Uses
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked.
Traditional Uses
The fruit are eaten. They are used in pies, jellies and jams.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It needs warm temperate or subtropical climates. It grows naturally in scrubland amongst oaks. It suits hot, dry conditions. It grows naturally in Florida.
Where It Grows
North America, USA,
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. It is sometimes cultivated for its edible fruit in N. America, there are some named varieties. These have been recommended for dry, sandy, upland soils. It hybridizes with V. ashei. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. 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. Dislikes root disturbance, plants are best grown in pots until being planted out in their permanent positions. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagation
Sow seed in late winter in a greenhouse using a lime-free potting mix, barely covering the seed. Stored seed may need up to 3 months of cold stratification. Alternatively, sow fresh seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe. Prick seedlings out into individual pots once they reach about 5cm tall, and grow them on in a lightly shaded greenhouse position for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Half-ripe cuttings, 5–8cm with a heel, can be taken in August and rooted in a frame, though this is slow and difficult. Layering can be done in late summer or early autumn — or in spring according to some sources — and takes 18 months. Suckers can be divided in spring or early autumn.
Other Uses
Suitable for food forest planting.
Other Information
It is used in breeding low chill blueberries.
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
Darrow's Blueberry
Vaccinium darrowii
(c) Alvin Diamond, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Alvin Diamond
Deadly Nightshade: Tall herbaceous plant (1-2m), single shiny black cherry-sized berries, star-shaped calyx, large oval leaves, sweet but dangerous taste.
Darrow's Blueberry: Low woody shrub, berries in clusters with crown/remnant calyx ring, sweet taste.
References (5)
- Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 69:240. 1942
- Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 97
- Kermath, B. M., et al, 2014, Food Plants in the Americas: A survey of the domesticated, cultivated and wild plants used for Human food in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On line draft. p 893
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Trehane, J., 2004, Blueberries, Cranberries and Other Vacciniums. Timber Press. p 223
