Vaccinium cylindraceum

Vaccinium cylindraceum, known by its common names such as Azores blueberry, is a semi-deciduous species of Vaccinium endemic to the Azores. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit as an ornamental.

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. Cytology is 2n = 48.

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.