Practical
Plants

Gaultheria pumila leucocarpa

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Ericaceae
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Height
0.2 m
Spread
0.3 m
Fertility
self sterile
Flower type
dioecious

Uses

Edible uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[2][3]. The fruit is about 17 - 22mm in diameter.

Plant part
Fruit

Material uses

A useful ground cover for sun or light shade, it spreads rapidly.

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Ground cover

Environment

Range
Southern S. America - S. Chile.
Habitat
Found as far south as latitude 42° south. Growing in the Andes, it is common on volcanic slopes where it grows up to the snow-line.
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 7+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
very acid, acid
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

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[7]. 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[7]. A good percentage usually take. Division in spring just before new growth begins. 'Drop' the plants 12 months earlier by digging them up and replanting them deeper in the soil so that the branches are buried and can form roots. This works best in a sandy soil[7]. It is best to pot up the divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse until they are established. Plant them out in the summer. Layering in September/October. Takes 12 months[7].

Cultivation

Requires a light well-drained lime-free soil[5]. Spreading rapidly[1][6], this species can be invasive[4]. The plant can make a good nesting place for mice, these mice then eat the bark of the stems in winter causing die-back. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[5].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

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  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  3. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

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  4. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

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  5. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2

  6. Arnold-Forster. Shrubs for the Milder Counties.

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  7. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

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