Herb: Sea Bilberry


Latin name: Vaccinium bracteatum


Synonyms: Andromeda chinensis


Family: Ericaceae (Heath Family)



Medicinal use of Sea Bilberry:

The plant has been used in the treatment of cancer.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Shrub

Height:
100 cm
(3 1/4 foot)

Habitat of the herb:

Low elevations in mountains, C. and S. Japan. Forests and thickets at elevations of 400 - 1400 metres,

Edible parts of Sea Bilberry:

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse in a lime-free potting mix and only just cover the seed. Stored seed might require a period of up to 3 months cold stratification. Another report says that it is best to sow the seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe. Once they are about 5cm tall, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a lightly shaded position 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, 5 - 8cm with a heel, August in a frame. Slow and difficult. Layering in late summer or early autumn. Another report says that spring is the best time to layer. Takes 18 months. Division of suckers in spring or early autumn.

Cultivation of Sea Bilberry:

Low elevations in mountains, C. and S. Japan. Forests and thickets at elevations of 400 - 1400 metres,

Known hazards of Vaccinium bracteatum:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.