Sontram Delavay
Vaccinium delavayi
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
A compact shrub. It is densely branched and evergreen. It grows 30-90 cm high. Young growth is angled, hairy and is tinged with red. The leaves are rough. They are small and 1.25 cm long by 5 mm wide. They are on short stalks. They have a short sharp point at the tip. The leaves are closely packed on the shoots. The flowers are in groups 1-2 cm long. They hang down and are urn shaped. They are greenish white and can have pink tinges. The fruit is 4 mm across. It is edible. The fruit are blue-purple to black.
Where it is found
A subtropical plant. It grows naturally as an epiphyte in trees and in cracks in rocks. It can grow in shade. It can tolerate frost.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Britain, China, Europe, Indochina, Myanmar, SE Asia, Taiwan, Tibet, Vietnam
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Berries, fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Sontram delavay