Common Name:

General Information

Myrteola nummularia is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that spreads over the ground forming a carpet of growth around 10cm high[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Western and southern S. America - Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, central and southern Chile, southern Argentina, Falkland Islands.

Habitat

Raised parts of bogs, especially with sphagnum[]. Heaths and bogs, spreading over the ground amongst other plants[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.10 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Myrteola nummularia is a native of temperate regions in southern S. America, and is also found at higher elevations in the Andes of western and northwestern S. America. It is only hardy in the milder regions of the temperate zone. It has proved to be not very hardy when grown outdoors in much of Britain, though it generally succeeds to the south and west of London, generally growing well in the southwest[]. A group of plants in a sunny position on a rock garden at Kew Gardens seem to be perfectly happy and hardy, producing a reasonable crop of fruit in December 1996[].
Succeeds in any reasonably good soil[] including dry ones. Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained loam in a sunny position[, ]. Prefers a cool position according to another report. Tolerates maritime exposure[].
A good carpeting plant for moist stones etc in a rockery[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. A sweet and agreeable flavour[, , ]. The red or delicate pink fruit is up to 10mm in diameter, it has a soft juicy flesh and a delicious slightly aromatic flavour[]. It is produced in late autumn and early winter, and is a very valuable fruit at this time of the year[].

The leaves are a tea substitute[, ].

Evaluation of inhibition of cancer cell proliferation in vitro with different berries

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Suitable for ground cover when spaced about 45cm apart each way, the plants form a carpet of low branches that root as they spread[]. Plants are a bit slow to become established and will need weeding for their first few years after planting[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow it in late winter in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame. Pot up in the autumn and overwinter in a cold frame. Plant out in late spring. High percentage[].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, 7 - 12cm with a heel, late autumn in a shaded and frost free frame. Plant out in late spring or early autumn. High percentage[].
Layering.