Caucasian whortleberry
Vaccinium arctostaphylos
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
A densely branched shrub. It loses its leaves. It can grow 3 m high and spreads 1.8 m wide. It is often a smaller bush. The young shoots are reddish brown. The leaves are sword shaped and large and green. They are 10 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. There are fine teeth along the edge. The leaves turn brilliant purple and red in autumn. These remain on the bush for several weeks. The flowers are in groups 3-5 cm long. They grow in axils on the previous year's growth. The flowers are bell shaped and are white with pink or purple tinges. The fruit are purple-black berries. They are round, shiny and 1 cm across.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is hardy in temperatures down to -15°C.
Countries/locations it is found in
Armenia, Asia, Azerbaijan, Balkans, Bulgaria, Caucasus, Europe, Georgia, Iran, Mediterranean, Middle East, Russia, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten raw. They are also used for jam and cooked fruit. The leaves are used as a substitute for tea.
It is cultivated.
Edible parts
Fruit, leaves - tea
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seed or cuttings.
It is slow growing.
Its other names
Local names
Chernika kavkazk, Likarpa, Motsvi maghali