Vaccinium varingiifolium
(Blume) Miq.
Javan blueberry
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(c) Ryan Littman-Quinn, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Ryan Littman-Quinn
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(c) Ryutari Yasya, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Ryutari Yasya
Description
A small shrub in the Ericaceae family that grows up to 3 m tall with purple fruit. It is a tropical plant found at high altitudes around volcano craters, particularly on Mt Bromo between 1,800-2,000 m altitude, with some populations reaching up to 3,340 m.
Edible Uses
Both the leaves and fruit are edible.
Distribution
A tropical plant. It grows at high altitudes around volcano craters. It grows on Mt Bromo. It grows between 1,800-2,000 m altitude. It can be up to 3,340 m altitude.
Where It Grows
Asia, East Timor, Indonesia, Malaysia, SE Asia, Timor-Leste,
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
Javan blueberry
Vaccinium varingiifolium
(c) Ryan Littman-Quinn, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Ryan Littman-Quinn
Deadly Nightshade: Tall herbaceous plant (1-2m), single shiny black cherry-sized berries, star-shaped calyx, large oval leaves, sweet but dangerous taste.
Javan blueberry: Low woody shrub, berries in clusters with crown/remnant calyx ring, sweet taste.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Catingi ungu, Cantigy
References (5)
- Ann. Mus. Bot. Lugduno-Batavum 1:38. 1863 "varingiaefolium"
- http://palaeoworks.anu.edu.au/Nuno_PhD/04.pdf
- Martin, F.W. & Ruberte, R.M., 1979, Edible Leaves of the Tropics. Antillian College Press, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. p 190 (As varingiaefolium)
- Sleumer, 1967, Ericaceae, Flora Malesiana, Ser. 1 Vol. 6 (5) p 819
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
