Prickly heath

Gaultheria mucronata

Physical Characteristics

Gaultheria mucronata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1.2 m (4ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from October to December. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. America - S. Chile, S. Argentina.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Ground Cover; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[177]. The lilac-coloured fruit does not look tremendously edible, and the texture is somewhat like polystyrene - but the fruit of some forms is juicy, almost melts in the mouth, has a very pleasant slightly sweet flavour and makes a very good dessert fruit[K]. The fruit is up to 12mm in diameter[200].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known