Gaultheria nummularioides

Physical Characteristics

Gaultheria nummularioides is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from December to March. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Himalayas from Himachel Pradesh to southwestern China and Burma.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[177]. A watery flavour[272]. The fruit is quite tasty raw, but it is small and rather fiddly to harvest[K]. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter[200].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known