Vaccinium padifolium

Vaccinium padifolium
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Vaccinium
Species: V. padifolium
Binomial name
Vaccinium padifolium
J.E. Sm. ex Rees

Vaccinium padifolium, Madeira blueberry, is very common at altitudes between 800-1700 m. It grows mainly in crevices and exposed slopes and mountain plains. Fruits are used in preservers. Endemic to the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo, Portugal.

Description

Semi-evergreen scrub to small tree 1.5-6 m tall. New branches generally reddish and pubescent. Leaves often flushed dark red in autumn 2.5-7 x 1-2(2.5) cm, oblong to elliptic, acute to acuminate, petiole short, pubescent. Calyx 3-4 mm, with 5 short, broad lobes up to 1.5 mm. Flowers on curved pedicels in erect, axillary, bracteates racemes. Corolla, 7-10 mm, globose to campanulate, the lobes very short. There are often five broad rose stripes on the white corolla. Berries up to 12 x 10 mm, ripening blue-black.

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References

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