Common Name: Fragrant Wintergreen

General Information

Gaultheria fragrantissima is an evergreen shrub, occasionally a small tree. It usually grows around 100 - 300cm tall, occasionally reaching 400cm. This species is highly variable, especially in the size and shape of leaves. In general these varieties are the result of habitat differences. If in forest understoreys or at forest margins, it is a large shrub or small tree with large leaves. If on sunny slopes or among thickets, it is often a small shrub with narrow leaves[].
The plant is gathered from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and as a source of essential oil. It is occasionally cultivated as a fruit crop[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - southwest China, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Vietnam, Malaysia

Habitat

Forests and shrubberies[], usually on dry slopes[]. Evergreen, Pinus, and mixed forests, forest margins, thickets on dry slopes, sunny slopes; at elevations from 1,000 - 3,200 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Gaultheria fragrantissima is native to the warm temperate and subtropical to tropical zones of China, India and southeast Asia. It is not very hardy outside the mildest regions of the temperate zone, tolerating occasional, short-lived temperatures falling to around -5°c.
Prefers a moist but not boggy humus rich soil in shade or semi-shade[, ]. A peat and moisture loving species, it requires a lime-free soil[, ].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
The bruised leaves have a powerful camphor-like scent[]. The flowers are scented like lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis)[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , , ]. The purplish-blue fruit is about 8mm in diameter[]. The fruit is a very good source of micronutrients such as anthocyanins, phenols, flavonoids and vitamin C. They have a strong antioxidant activity and make an excellent, healthful addition to the diet[]

Leaves - raw. Chewed[] (to relieve thirst?).

An essential oil obtained from the leaves is used as a flavouring[, ].

A tea is made from the leaves[, ].

Medicinal

The essential oil obtained from the leaves is antiseptic, aromatic, carminative and stimulant[, ]. It is used in the treatment of rheumatism, scabies and neuralgia[, , ]. It is also taken internally in the treatment of hook worms[].
The juice of the leaves is used in the treatment of coughs[]. Both the juice and the whole leaves are used as an anthelmintic that is effective against hookworms[].

The fruit is strongly antioxidant[]. The unripe fruits are chewed or made into a juice to treat stomach troubles[].

Other Uses

The leaves yield around 1.25% of an essential oil, this is a wintergreen substitute and it is used in perfumery, as a hair oil and medicinally[, , , , , ].

The light brown wood is of small dimensions, but is moderately hard, with a good silver-grain[].

Propagation

The seed requires a period of cold stratification. Pre-chill for 4 - 10 weeks and then surface sow in a lime-free compost in a shady part of the greenhouse and keep the compost moist[]. The seed usually germinates well, usually within 1 - 2 months at 20°c, but the seedlings are liable to damp off. It is important to water them with care and to ensure that they get plenty of ventilation. Watering them with a garlic infusion can also help to prevent damping of[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are about 25mm tall and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter[]. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. The seedlings are susceptible to spring frosts so might need some protection for their first few years outdoors. The leaves remain very small for the first few years[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood 3 - 6cm long, mid summer in a frame in a shady position. They form roots in late summer or spring[]. A good percentage usually take.
Division in spring just before new growth begins[]. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Layering.