Camarinha
Gaylussacia brasiliensis

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 0.3-1 m tall. The branches are densely covered with leaves. The leaves are simple and leathery. They are 2-6 cm long and are smooth on both sides. The flowers are red and in the axils of leaves. The fruit are round and green but turn red then black as they ripen. They have many very small seeds.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in high altitude fields in Brazil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Brazil (country/location of origin), South America

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh. They are also used for jellies.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Camarinha, Camarinha-vermelha, Mirtilo-brasileiro

Synonyms

Vaccinium brasiliense Spreng.; Gaylussacia pseudovaccinium Cham. & Schdl.; Gaylussacia myrtifolia Cham.; Leucothoe ciliata (Nees) DC.;