Gaultheria adenothrix
a perennial woody evergreen member of the Gaultheria genus in the family Ericaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Genus
- Gaultheria
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Woodiness
- woody
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Fertility
- Insects
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Insects
Uses
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Fruit - raw or cooked[1][3][5]. A sweet flavour. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter[6].
- Plant part
- Fruit
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
A useful ground cover plant for a position in semi-shade[4][7]. It should be spaced about 45cm apart each way[7].
Ecology and functions
- Ecosystem niche
- Soil surface
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - Japan.
- Habitat
- Coniferous woods and sub-alpine thickets in N. and C. Japan[9]. Edges of forests in more or less dry places at elevations of 400 - 1900 metres[8].
- Light
- partial sun
- Shade tolerance
- permanent shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 9+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- very acid, acid, neutral
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The seed requires a period of cold stratification. Pre-chill for 4 - 10 weeks and then surface sow in a lime-free compost in a shady part of the greenhouse and keep the compost moist[10]. The seed usually germinates well, usually within 1 - 2 months at 20°c, but the seedlings are liable to damp off. It is important to water them with care and to ensure that they get plenty of ventilation. Watering them with a garlic infusion can also help to prevent damping of[K]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are about 25mm tall and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter[K]. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. The seedlings are susceptible to spring frosts so might need some protection for their first few years outdoors. The leaves remain very small for the first few years[2]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood 3 - 6cm long, July/August in a frame in a shady position. They form roots in late summer or spring[10]. A good percentage usually take. Division in spring just before new growth begins[6]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Layering.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Prefers a moist but not boggy humus rich soil in shade or semi-shade[2][4]. A peat and moisture loving species, it requires a lime-free soil[2][4]. Plants are not fully hardy in Britain and can suffer badly in severe winters[7]. The plant can make a good nesting place for mice, these mice then eat the bark of the stems in winter causing die-back. This species is like a miniature version of G. shallon[7]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[6].
References
Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169
Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2
Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1
Flora of Japan www.foj.info
Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation) Smithsonian Institution 1965-00-00
Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00