Manzanita, Common manzanita
Arctostaphylos manzanita

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows to 2.4-4.5 m high. It is stiff and woody. It can be spreading. The bark is reddish brown. There can be peeling layers of older duller bark. The leaves are thick and oval. There is a white scurf over the leaf when young. The leaves are 5 cm long. The flowers are tiny and in tight clusters. They are urn shaped and deep pink. The fruit are white but become red-brown berries. These are 12 mm across.

There are about 50 Arctostaphylos species.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. It can tolerate long dry periods. It is resistant to frost. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, North America, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit have been used to make a drink. They are also used for jelly.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Seed are difficult to get to grow. Treatment with smoke may assist germination. Soaking seeds in hot water may help. Plants are often grown from tip cuttings. Planting several plants improves the pollination.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Arctostaphylos bowermaniae Roof; and others