Cranberry Heath (Astroloma humifusum)

Family: Epacridaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Astroloma humifusum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet viscid pulp. — A sweet viscid pulp.; The taste is somewhat like apples.; The fruit is a drupe about 7 - 11mm wide.

Habitat & North American Range

Sandy loams in the mountain zone. In heathland and open forests. Also found on cleared land in a range of soils including sandstone, shale and heavy clay. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)