This species has been confused in the past with Gaultheria pyroloides, a distinct species from Japan[].

Common Name:

General Information

Gaultheria pyrolifolia is an evergreen shrub with suberect to creeping stems; it can grow 3 - 15cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - eastern Himalayas in Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal, India ad China.

Habitat

Alpine windswept moorlands, thickets and grasslands; at elevations from 3,600 - 4,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.15 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a moist but not boggy humus rich soil in sun 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[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit is about 4 - 8mm in diameter[, ]. As with most Gaultherias, it is actually the swollen, fleshy calyx that is eaten[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

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.