Vaccinium bracteatum


Vaccinium bracteatum, the sea bilberry or Asiatic bilberry, is a species of Vaccinium native to Asia.

Description

It is a small tree or large shrub, with dark purple edible fruit.

Varieties

The following varieties are currently accepted:
  • Vaccinium bracteatum var. chinense Chun ex Sleumer
  • Vaccinium bracteatum var. obovatum C.Y.Wu & R.C.Fang
  • Vaccinium bracteatum var. rubellum P.S.Hsu, J.X.Qiu, S.F.Huang & Y.Zhang
  • Vaccinium bracteatum var. thysanocalyx Smitinand & P.H.Hô

Distribution and habitat

It is native to Japan, the Ryukyu Islands, Korea, southeast and south-central China, Hainan, Taiwan, mainland Southeast Asia, Java, and Sumatra.

Uses

It is in semi-cultivation in China. Local people collect and consume the fruit. Additionally, a bluish-violet dye is extracted from the leaves, being used as a hair dye, for coloring vinegar, and in cooking. The dye turns black when cooked with rice, providing culinary interest.