Kalavu
Vaccinium neilgherrense

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. The bark is brown with irregular scales. The young branches are hairy. The leaves are simple and alternate. The leaf blades are 5-10 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. They are sword shaped. There are rounded teeth along the edge. The flowers are white or red and in groups in the axils of leaves or near the ends of branches. The fruit is a round berry with many seeds.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows along streams and on the edges of forests between 1,000-2,100 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten raw.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Hollenugu, Kalavu, Kila, Manalamaram, Olenangu

Synonyms

Epigynium neilgherense Klotzsch;