Mortiño

Vaccinium mortinia

Physical Characteristics

Vaccinium mortinia is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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 - Ecuador and Colombia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[11, 105]. Some forms are juicy, sub-acid and pleasantly flavoured[183, 196]. Highly esteemed[46]. The fruit is rather small, about 5mm in diameter[200].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known