Vaccinium calycinum

Sm.

High-bish ohelo

Ericaceae Edible: Fruit 773 iNaturalist observations

Has a deadly poisonous lookalike — see comparison below

iNaturalist· cc-by

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Description

A tropical shrub in the Ericaceae family that produces bitter fruit. The fruit is traditionally used in small amounts as a flavoring addition to other Vaccinium species.

Edible Uses

The fruit are bitter but are added in small amounts to other vaccinium fruits to impart a unique flavor.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are bitter but are added in small amounts to Vaccinium cereum to add a unique flavour.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

To treat stomach pains, the leaf buds, leaves and fruit are combined with the leaf buds and leaves of Canavalia cathartica or Dioclea wilsonii; the leaf buds, leaves, and fruit of Rumex spp.; the root of Curcuma longa; coconut (Cocos nucifera); and white sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) by pounding into a mash. The mixture is strained with Cyperus javanicus and drunk once in the morning and again in the evening.

Distribution

A tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Hawaii, Pacific, USA,

Other Uses

The new leaves, fruit and flowers are used in making leis.

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

High-bish ohelo

Vaccinium calycinum

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

High-bish ohelo: Low woody shrub, berries in clusters with crown/remnant calyx ring, sweet taste.