Vaccinium glaucoalbum
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
An evergreen shrub. It grows 30-90 cm high and spreads 90 cm wide. It forms suckers. The leaves are oblong and have bristly edges. They are 6 cm long. They are hairy on the veins underneath. The flowers are white with pink tints. They are on long stalks 7 cm long that hang down. The fruit are purple-black berries.
Where it is found
It suits temperate climates. It can grow in partial shade. It does best in a moist, acid soil. In Tibet it grows between 2,900-3,300 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 9-10. In Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Britain, China, Europe, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Tibet (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The ripe fruit are edible but leave an unpleasant taste after eating. They are also dried.
It is packaged and sold.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Bya-lo, Shakshima