Manzana
Gaultheria myrsinoides

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

A small creeping shrub. It grows 15 cm high and spreads 45 cm wide. The leaves are very small and have sharp tips. The flowers are white. The fruit is blue-black and 12 mm wide.

There are about 170 Gaultheria species.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. It grows at high altitudes in the tropics. It suits hardiness zones 9-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andes, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, South America, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The fruit should probably not be eaten in large amounts.

Edible parts

Fruit, caution

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Andromeda prostrata Cav.; Arbutus pilosa Graham; Arbutus prostrata Cav.; Gaultheria alpina (Donn.Sm.) Sleumer; Pernettya coriacea Klotzsch; Pernettya prostrata (Cav.) DC.; Pernettya prostrata (Cav.) Sleumer; and others