Vaccinium leucanthum

Schlecht.

Mexican blueberry

Ericaceae Edible: Fruit 41 iNaturalist observations

Has a deadly poisonous lookalike — see comparison below

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Summary

A deciduous shrub, hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated. Suitable for light sandy or medium loamy, well-drained soils with mildly to very acidic pH. Can grow in semi-shade or full sun and prefers consistently moist soil.

Description

A shrub. The young stems are red. The leaves are a light and glossy green. They are paler underneath. The leaves are 4 cm long and 2 cm wide and have pointed tips. There are teeth along the edge. The flowers are pink and waxy. The fruit is black. It is 5 mm across.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It can grow in temperate places.

Where It Grows

Britain, Central America, Europe, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, North America,

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 could succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of the country. 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 on in a lightly shaded position in the greenhouse 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

None known

Other Information

Fruit are sold in local markets.

Dangerous Lookalikes

This plant can be confused with the following toxic species. Always verify identification carefully before consuming any wild plant.

DEADLY

Deadly Nightshade

Atropa belladonna

Joan Simon from Barcelona, España

Safe

Mexican blueberry

Vaccinium leucanthum

Deadly Nightshade: Tall herbaceous plant (1-2m), single shiny black cherry-sized berries, star-shaped calyx, large oval leaves, sweet but dangerous taste.

Mexican blueberry: Low woody shrub, berries in clusters with crown/remnant calyx ring, sweet taste.

Also Known As

Cahuiche, Cahuicho mexicano, Cahuizo, Cuohuihuizoc, Huicapol, Xoxocotzi

References (8)

Cruz, I. M., et al, 2015, Edible fruits and seeds in the State of Mexico. Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Agricolas. Vol. 6. Num. 2 pp 331-346
Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 667
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
Martin, F. W., et al, 1987, Perennial Edible Fruits of the Tropics. USDA Handbook 642 p 94
Piedra-Malagón, E. M. et al, 2022, Edible native plants of the Gulf of Mexico Province. Biodiversity Data Journal 10: e80565 p 19

Show all 8 references

Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Segura, S., et al, 2018, The edible fruit species in Mexico. Genet Resour Crop Evol (2018) 65:1767–1793
Trehane, J., 2004, Blueberries, Cranberries and Other Vacciniums. Timber Press. p 230