''Vaccinium cylindraceum'', known by its common names such as Azores blueberry, (
Portuguese: uva-da-serra, uva-do-mato) is a semi-deciduous species of ''
Vaccinium'' endemic to
the Azores
)
, motto =( en, "Rather die free than subjected in peace")
, anthem= ( en, "Anthem of the Azores")
, image_map=Locator_map_of_Azores_in_EU.svg
, map_alt=Location of the Azores within the European Union
, map_caption=Location of the Azores wi ...
.
It has gained the
Royal Horticultural Society
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), founded in 1804 as the Horticultural Society of London, is the UK's leading gardening charity.
The RHS promotes horticulture through its five gardens at Wisley (Surrey), Hyde Hall (Essex), Harlow Carr (Nort ...
's
Award of Garden Merit
The Award of Garden Merit (AGM) is a long-established annual award for plants by the British Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). It is based on assessment of the plants' performance under UK growing conditions.
History
The Award of Garden Merit ...
as an ornamental.
Description
This shrub can reach up to 3 meters in height. It is also a
hermaphrodite
In reproductive biology, a hermaphrodite () is an organism that has both kinds of reproductive organs and can produce both gametes associated with male and female sexes.
Many Taxonomy (biology), taxonomic groups of animals (mostly invertebrate ...
. The serrated leaves are elongated and have sharp tips. Initially red, the apical shoots may have a bright red colour. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, with a pinkish white colour, and usually occur in clusters. In autumn the leaves may change to a reddish-yellow. The black fruit is a pseudo-berry, and are said to be juicy and fleshy.
Distribution and habitat
This plant can be found at all of the islands in Azores, apart from
Graciosa.
This species can be found at elevations between 380 - 1,400m.
Cultivation
The Azores blueberry flowers between May and June.
It should be grown in acidic, loam, well-drained soil. It can be grown in light-shade or no shade.
It can be propagated by seed or by cuttings.
References
{{Taxonbar, from=Q10388626
cylindraceum
Endemic flora of the Azores
Plants described in 1817