Vaccinium duclouxii
(Lévl.) Hand-Mazz.
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(c) zhangyuhong, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by zhangyuhong
Summary
Vaccinium duclouxii is a deciduous shrub reaching 3 m tall. Hardy to UK zone 9. Flowers in June with seeds ripening August to November. Hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated. Grows in light sandy or medium loamy, well-drained soil in mildly to very acid conditions. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil.
Description
A shrub or small tree. It grows 1-5 m tall. It has many branches and keeps its leaves throughout the year. The leaves are oval and 3-7 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. There are 9-18 flowers in a group. The fruit is a bark purple berry. It is 6-7 mm across.
Edible Uses
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and is positively nice to eat. The fruit is about 5mm in diameter.
Medicinal Uses
None known
Known Hazards
None known
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. In SW China it grows in forests and on rocky slopes between 1,500-3,100 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Where It Grows
Asia, China, Tibet,
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 on in a lightly shaded position in the greenhouse through at least their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 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
None known
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
Vaccinium duclouxii
Vaccinium duclouxii
(c) zhangyuhong, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by zhangyuhong
Deadly Nightshade: Tall herbaceous plant (1-2m), single shiny black cherry-sized berries, star-shaped calyx, large oval leaves, sweet but dangerous taste.
Vaccinium duclouxii: Low woody shrub, berries in clusters with crown/remnant calyx ring, sweet taste.
References (1)
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
