Eames' Purple Crowberry, South American crowberry
Empetrum rubrum
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
A small shrub. It grows 80 cm high. The leaves are 2-6 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. The flowers are red. They have 6 petals. The fruit are red. They are 4-7 mm across.
Also put in the family Empetraceae. It has antioxidant properties.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. In Chile it grows from sea level to 2,600 m altitude. It grows in drier areas with a winter rainfall of 400-800 mm. It is also in humid, constantly wet areas. It grows in full sun. It suits hardiness zone 7. It can tolerate frost and snow. It is best in acid soil with high levels of organic matter.
Countries/locations it is found in
Antarctic, Argentina, Chile (country/location of origin), Falkland Islands, South America
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten raw. They are sour and are used for puddings.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Brecillo, Diddle-dee, Murtilla de Magallanes, Mutilla, Uvilla, Uvilla de perdicita