Vaccinium tallapusae
(Coville ex Small) Uphof
gbif· cc0
Conveyor Belt
gbif· cc0
Conveyor Belt
gbif· cc0
Conveyor Belt
Summary
Source: WikipediaA deciduous shrub with hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by insects. Grows in light sandy to medium loamy, well-drained soil in mildly acid to very acid conditions. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun and prefers consistently moist soil.
Description
A deciduous shrub with hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by insects. Grows in light sandy to medium loamy, well-drained soil in mildly acid to very acid conditions. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun and prefers consistently moist soil.
Edible Uses
The wild fruits are food for many types of bird and other animals. Each individual fruit has approximately eight calories. For humans the taste is "sweet to bland" and the fruit can be eaten fresh, in pies, or as jelly. The fruit is harvested and sold commercially in some areas, such as northeastern Alabama and northwestern Georgia. The plant is also grown as an ornamental.
Traditional Uses
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
North America, USA,
Propagation
Seed: Sow in late winter in a greenhouse using lime-free potting mix, covering seeds lightly. Stored seed may need up to 3 months cold stratification; alternatively sow fresh seed immediately. When seedlings reach 5cm, transplant to individual pots and grow in light shade indoors through their first winter, then plant out in late spring or early summer after last frost. Half-ripe cuttings (5-8cm with heel) taken in August are slow and difficult to root. Layering in late summer or early autumn takes 18 months; spring layering is also possible. Divide rooted suckers in spring or early autumn.
Other Uses
None known Special Uses
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 tallapusae
Vaccinium tallapusae
Conveyor Belt
Deadly Nightshade: Tall herbaceous plant (1-2m), single shiny black cherry-sized berries, star-shaped calyx, large oval leaves, sweet but dangerous taste.
Vaccinium tallapusae: Low woody shrub, berries in clusters with crown/remnant calyx ring, sweet taste.
