Vaccinium donianum
Wight
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Description
A subtropical shrub in the Ericaceae family with edible fruit and leaves.
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Edible Uses
It is in semi-cultivation in China. Local people collect and consume the fruit. Additionally, a bluish-violet dye is extracted from the leaves, being used as a hair dye, for coloring vinegar, and in cooking. The dye turns black when cooked with rice, providing culinary interest.
Distribution
It is a subtropical plant.
Where It Grows
Asia, India, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia,
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 donianum
Vaccinium donianum
Wikimedia Commons - Daderot
Deadly Nightshade: Tall herbaceous plant (1-2m), single shiny black cherry-sized berries, star-shaped calyx, large oval leaves, sweet but dangerous taste.
Vaccinium donianum: Low woody shrub, berries in clusters with crown/remnant calyx ring, sweet taste.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Dieng-soh-rongkham
References (1)
- Sawian, J. T., et al, 2007, Wild edible plants of Meghalaya, North-east India. Natural Product Radiance Vol. 6(5): p 423
