Chaura
Gaultheria pumila

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 80 cm high. The flowers are white and have 5 petals. The fruit are white or pink. They are oval and 6-12 mm across.

There are about 170 Gaultheria species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In Chile it can grow at low altitudes and also at high altitudes. It can tolerate wet and dry soil. It usually grows in humid areas with constant rainfall. It can grow in some shade. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zone 7. It can tolerate frost and snow.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina - Falklands, Britain, Chile, Europe, South America (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chaurilla, Mutilla, Shal, Wash, Washege

Synonyms

Andromeda empetrifolia Lam.; Arbutus pumila G. Forst.; Pernettya pumila;?