Gaultheria myrsinoides

Physical Characteristics

Gaultheria myrsinoides is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to July. 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. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. 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 - Costa Rica to the Andes of N. Chile.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[177]. Up to 15mm in diameter[200].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

One report says that the fruit is poisonous[200]. This is somewhat surprising in what is normally seen as a toxin-free genus.