Disterigma empetrifolium
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
A low shrub. It has many branches. It can be 50 cm tall or low lying forming a mat. The fruit are red.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in wet mountain forest between 2,965-4,350 m altitude. It can tolerate frost and snow.
Countries/locations it is found in
Andes, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, South America, Venezuela
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten raw.
Fruit are sold in local markets.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Anisilloa de monte, Chirimote, Manzanita, Mortino, Pasinu, Urku mote, Urka muti, Uvilla
Synonyms
Disterigma margaricoccum S. F. Blake; Metagonia empetrifolia (Kunth) Nied.; Vaccinium empetrifolium Kunth; and others