Vaccinium modestum

W.W.Sm.

Ericaceae Edible: Fruit

Has a deadly poisonous lookalike — see comparison below

gbif· cc0

GBIF

gbif· cc0

GBIF

gbif· cc0

GBIF

Summary

A low deciduous shrub growing 0.2 m tall by 0.5 m wide, hardy to UK zone 8. Flowers June to September with seeds ripening August to October. Hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated. Suitable for light sandy or medium loamy, well-drained soils with mildly to very acid pH. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil.

Description

A small shrub. It grows 5-10 cm tall. The leaves are oval and 1-4 cm long by 4-9 mm wide. The flowers occur singly. The fruit is a berry 1 cm across. It is dark purple.

Edible Uses

The fruit is pleasant tasting and can be eaten raw or cooked. It grows up to 1cm in diameter.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It grows in forests and alpine meadows between 3,100-4,000 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Tibet,

Cultivation

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. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of Britain, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. 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

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

Vaccinium modestum

GBIF

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

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