Vaccinium japonicum
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It grows 60-90 cm tall. The branches are slender and well spaced. They are green and slender. It normally loses its leaves but may be evergreen in warm climates. The leaves are pale green and oval or sword shaped. They are 3-5 cm long and 1-3 cm wide. They are rounded at the base and pointed at the tips. There are small teeth along the edge. The leaves are bright green above and paler underneath. The flowers and fruit hang down under the branches. The flowers are 5-12 mm long. They are in the leaf axils of the previous year's growth. There are 4 petals and these curve back at the tip. The fruit are small, shiny red berries. They are 5-8 mm across.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It does well in shade. It is native to Japan and Korea. In China it grows in alpine areas between 1,000-2,600 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Britain, China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Taiwan
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
It can be grown from seed or cuttings.