Common Name:

General Information

Gaultheria racemulosa is a low-growing, evergreen shrub, suckering to form a thicket of growth[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Juan Fernández Islands

Habitat

Exposed and barren ridges, often forming low impenetrable thickets[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Wind, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Gaultheria racemulosa is native to the Juan Fernández Islands of S. America. The climate there is subtropical Mediterranean, with only occasional frosts being experienced at the higher elevations. Annual rainfall varies from 318 - 1,698mm, averaging 1,081mm.
Prefers a cool 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 are found in the wild in very windy situations[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, ].

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 when new growth is about 7cm tall. 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.