Vaccinium macrocarpon: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:26, 15 February 2025

Overview[edit]

Vaccinium macrocarpon, commonly known as the cranberry, is a species of evergreen shrub in the genus Vaccinium and is native to the northeastern regions of North America. It is one of the few commercially grown fruits native to North America and is widely cultivated for its tart, red berries.

Description[edit]

The cranberry plant is a low-growing, trailing vine with small, evergreen leaves. The vines can grow up to 2 meters long and 5 to 20 centimeters in height. The leaves are dark green in summer, turning reddish-brown in winter. The flowers are pink, with distinct reflexed petals, and bloom in late spring to early summer.

Cultivation[edit]

Cranberries are typically grown in bogs, which are wetlands with a layer of sand, peat, gravel, and clay. These bogs are often flooded with water to protect the plants from frost and to facilitate the harvesting process. The berries are harvested in the fall, usually from mid-September to early November.

Uses[edit]

Cranberries are primarily used in the production of cranberry juice, cranberry sauce, and dried cranberries. They are also used in baking and cooking, often as a tart complement to sweet dishes. Cranberries are known for their high antioxidant content and potential health benefits, including urinary tract health.

Ecology[edit]

Cranberries play a role in their native ecosystems by providing food for various wildlife species. The plants thrive in acidic, sandy soils and are adapted to the unique conditions of bog habitats. They are pollinated by bees, which are attracted to the flowers for their nectar.

Related pages[edit]

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-== Vaccinium macrocarpon ==
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Vaccinium macrocarpon}}
-[[File:Cranberry_bog.jpg|thumb|A cranberry bog in autumn]]
+== Overview ==
+[[File:Cranberry_bog.jpg|thumb|right|A cranberry bog in autumn]]
-'''Vaccinium macrocarpon''', commonly known as the American cranberry, is a species of cranberry native to North America. It is a low-growing, perennial vine that thrives in acidic bogs and wetlands. The plant is known for its edible fruit, which is widely used in culinary applications and is a significant agricultural product in regions such as the northeastern United States and Canada.
+'''Vaccinium macrocarpon''', commonly known as the [[cranberry]], is a species of evergreen shrub in the genus [[Vaccinium]] and is native to the northeastern regions of [[North America]]. It is one of the few commercially grown fruits native to North America and is widely cultivated for its tart, red berries.
 == Description ==
+[[File:Cranberry_bog.jpg|thumb|left|Cranberries growing in a bog]]
-''Vaccinium macrocarpon'' is a small, evergreen shrub that typically grows to a height of 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 inches). The plant has slender, wiry stems and small, glossy leaves that are dark green in color. The leaves are oval-shaped and measure about 5 to 10 mm in length. The flowers of the cranberry plant are pink to red, bell-shaped, and appear in late spring to early summer.
+The cranberry plant is a low-growing, trailing vine with small, evergreen leaves. The vines can grow up to 2 meters long and 5 to 20 centimeters in height. The leaves are dark green in summer, turning reddish-brown in winter. The flowers are pink, with distinct reflexed petals, and bloom in late spring to early summer.
-The fruit of ''Vaccinium macrocarpon'' is a berry that is initially white but turns deep red when fully ripe. The berries are about 9 to 14 mm in diameter and have a tart flavor. They are harvested in the fall, typically from September to November.
 == Cultivation ==
+Cranberries are typically grown in [[bogs]], which are wetlands with a layer of sand, peat, gravel, and clay. These bogs are often flooded with water to protect the plants from frost and to facilitate the harvesting process. The berries are harvested in the fall, usually from mid-September to early November.
-Cranberries are cultivated in beds layered with sand, peat, gravel, and clay. These beds, known as bogs or marshes, are often flooded with water to protect the plants from frost and to facilitate harvesting. The flooding method is also used to control pests and weeds.
-The major cranberry-producing regions include the states of Wisconsin, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington in the United States, as well as the provinces of British Columbia and Quebec in Canada. The cultivation of cranberries requires specific conditions, including acidic soil, adequate water supply, and a growing season that includes cold winters.
 == Uses ==
+Cranberries are primarily used in the production of [[cranberry juice]], [[cranberry sauce]], and dried cranberries. They are also used in baking and cooking, often as a tart complement to sweet dishes. Cranberries are known for their high [[antioxidant]] content and potential health benefits, including urinary tract health.
-Cranberries are used in a variety of food products, including juices, sauces, and dried fruit snacks. They are a popular ingredient in holiday dishes, such as cranberry sauce served with turkey. Cranberries are also valued for their health benefits, as they are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
+== Ecology ==
+Cranberries play a role in their native ecosystems by providing food for various [[wildlife]] species. The plants thrive in acidic, sandy soils and are adapted to the unique conditions of bog habitats. They are pollinated by bees, which are attracted to the flowers for their nectar.
-In addition to culinary uses, cranberries have been used in traditional medicine for their purported ability to prevent urinary tract infections. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is mixed.
 == Related pages ==
 * [[Vaccinium]]
 * [[Berry]]
-* [[Agriculture in the United States]]
+* [[Bog]]
+* [[Antioxidant]]
-== References ==
-* Roper, T. R., & Vorsa, N. (1997). "Cranberry: Botany and Horticulture." In Janick, J. (Ed.), ''Horticultural Reviews''. John Wiley & Sons.
-* Eck, P. (1990). ''The American Cranberry''. Rutgers University Press.
-[[Category:Vaccinium|Macrocarpon]]
+[[Category:Vaccinium]]
 [[Category:Berries]]
 [[Category:Flora of North America]]