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.[3] It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit as an ornamental.[4]

Vaccinium cylindraceum
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Ericales
Family:	Ericaceae
Genus:	Vaccinium
Species:	V. cylindraceum
Binomial name
Vaccinium cylindraceum Sm.[2]
Synonyms[3]
Vaccinium longiflorum Wikstr.

Description

This shrub can reach up to 3 meters in height. It is also a hermaphrodite. 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.[5][6]

Distribution and habitat

This plant can be found at all of the islands in Azores, apart from Graciosa.[7]

This species can be found at elevations between 380 - 1,400m.[8]

Cultivation

The Azores blueberry flowers between May and June.[7] It should be grown in acidic, loam, well-drained soil. It can be grown in light-shade or no shade.[6][9]

It can be propagated by seed or by cuttings.[9]

References