Gaultheria insana
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
- 0.5 m
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
Uses
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Most members of this genus have more or less edible fruits, but it is unwise to eat the fruits of this species. See below under medical uses for more information. There are no edible uses listed for Gaultheria insana.
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The fruits cause intoxication when consumed[2]. The person becomes confused, often suffers delirium and, if the fruit is taken in excess, a permanent mental condition that mimics insanity can be caused[2].
Environment
- Range
- S. America - S. Chile, Argentina.
- Habitat
- Open fields or clearings in woods[2].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 6+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- 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[4]. 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[1]. 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[4]. A good percentage usually take. Division in spring just before new growth begins[3]. 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 cool moist but not boggy humus rich soil in shade or semi-shade[1][3]. A peat and moisture loving species, it requires a lime-free soil[1][3]. Prefers full sun but tolerates light shade[1][3]. This species is slightly tender in Britain and does not succeed in the colder parts of the country[1]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[3].
References
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Emboden. W. Narcotic Plants Studio Vista 1979-00-00 ISBN 0-289-70864-8
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00