Vaccinium oxycoccos: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Species of flowering plant in the heath family}} | |||
{{Taxobox | |||
| name = Vaccinium oxycoccos | |||
| image = VacciniumOxycoccos.jpg | |||
| image_caption = ''Vaccinium oxycoccos'' | |||
| regnum = Plantae | |||
| unranked_divisio = Angiosperms | |||
| unranked_classis = Eudicots | |||
| unranked_ordo = Asterids | |||
| ordo = Ericales | |||
| familia = Ericaceae | |||
| genus = ''[[Vaccinium]]'' | |||
| species = ''V. oxycoccos'' | |||
| binomial = ''Vaccinium oxycoccos'' | |||
}} | |||
'''''Vaccinium oxycoccos''''', commonly known as the small cranberry, bog cranberry, or swamp cranberry, is a species of flowering plant in the heath family, [[Ericaceae]]. It is native to the cooler regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. | |||
== | ==Description== | ||
''Vaccinium oxycoccos'' is a low-growing, perennial shrub that thrives in acidic bogs and wetlands. The plant has slender, wiry stems that can spread across the ground, forming mats. The leaves are small, evergreen, and ovate, with a dark green upper surface and a paler underside. | |||
[[File:VacciniumOxycoccos.jpg|thumb|right|''Vaccinium oxycoccos'' in its natural habitat]] | |||
The flowers of ''Vaccinium oxycoccos'' are pink to reddish-pink, with a distinctive reflexed petal structure. They bloom in late spring to early summer. The fruit is a small, round, red berry that matures in late summer to early autumn. These berries are edible and have a tart flavor, often used in culinary applications. | |||
== | ==Habitat and Distribution== | ||
''Vaccinium oxycoccos'' is typically found in [[peat bogs]], [[fens]], and other wetland areas with acidic soils. It is well adapted to cold climates and is distributed across northern Europe, Asia, and North America. In North America, it is found in Canada and the northern United States. | |||
== | ==Ecological Importance== | ||
The small cranberry plays a significant role in its ecosystem. It provides food for various wildlife, including birds and mammals. The plant's dense mats help stabilize the soil in boggy areas, preventing erosion and maintaining the wetland habitat. | |||
==Uses== | |||
The berries of ''Vaccinium oxycoccos'' are harvested for their culinary uses. They can be eaten raw or processed into products such as jams, jellies, and sauces. The tartness of the berries makes them a popular ingredient in desserts and beverages. | |||
==Cultivation== | |||
Cultivating ''Vaccinium oxycoccos'' requires conditions that mimic its natural habitat. It prefers acidic, moist soils and a cool climate. Gardeners interested in growing this plant should ensure adequate water supply and soil acidity to promote healthy growth. | |||
==Related pages== | |||
* [[Vaccinium]] | * [[Vaccinium]] | ||
* [[Ericaceae]] | |||
* [[Cranberry]] | * [[Cranberry]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Vaccinium|Oxycoccos]] | ||
[[Category:Flora of Europe]] | [[Category:Flora of Europe]] | ||
[[Category:Flora of Asia]] | [[Category:Flora of Asia]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Flora of North America]] | ||
Latest revision as of 06:14, 16 February 2025
Species of flowering plant in the heath family
Vaccinium oxycoccos, commonly known as the small cranberry, bog cranberry, or swamp cranberry, is a species of flowering plant in the heath family, Ericaceae. It is native to the cooler regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of Europe, Asia, and North America.
Description[edit]
Vaccinium oxycoccos is a low-growing, perennial shrub that thrives in acidic bogs and wetlands. The plant has slender, wiry stems that can spread across the ground, forming mats. The leaves are small, evergreen, and ovate, with a dark green upper surface and a paler underside.
The flowers of Vaccinium oxycoccos are pink to reddish-pink, with a distinctive reflexed petal structure. They bloom in late spring to early summer. The fruit is a small, round, red berry that matures in late summer to early autumn. These berries are edible and have a tart flavor, often used in culinary applications.
Habitat and Distribution[edit]
Vaccinium oxycoccos is typically found in peat bogs, fens, and other wetland areas with acidic soils. It is well adapted to cold climates and is distributed across northern Europe, Asia, and North America. In North America, it is found in Canada and the northern United States.
Ecological Importance[edit]
The small cranberry plays a significant role in its ecosystem. It provides food for various wildlife, including birds and mammals. The plant's dense mats help stabilize the soil in boggy areas, preventing erosion and maintaining the wetland habitat.
Uses[edit]
The berries of Vaccinium oxycoccos are harvested for their culinary uses. They can be eaten raw or processed into products such as jams, jellies, and sauces. The tartness of the berries makes them a popular ingredient in desserts and beverages.
Cultivation[edit]
Cultivating Vaccinium oxycoccos requires conditions that mimic its natural habitat. It prefers acidic, moist soils and a cool climate. Gardeners interested in growing this plant should ensure adequate water supply and soil acidity to promote healthy growth.
