Status:
valid
Authors:
(Sleumer) D.J.Middleton
Source:
cmp
Year:
1990
Citation Micro:
Edinburgh J. Bot. 47(3): 297. 1990
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000695199
Common Names
- Fetid Wintergreen
- Fetid Gaultheria
- Howellii Wintergreen
Description
Gaultheria howellii (also called Howell's Wintergreen, among many other common names) is a species of evergreen shrub in the Ericaceae family. It is native to Mexico and Guatemala and grows in moist, shady forests. It has oval-shaped leaves and white flowers that bloom in the summer.
Uses & Benefits
Gaultheria howellii is used as an ornamental shrub and for its edible fruits. The fruits can be eaten raw or cooked and are used to make jams, jellies, and preserves. The leaves can be used to make tea and the oil from the leaves can be used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Gaultheria howellii has small, white, bell-shaped flowers that hang from the stem in clusters. The flowers are followed by small, round, red berries that contain the seeds. The seeds are very small and require stratification to germinate. The seedlings have a single pair of cotyledons that are oval in shape.
Cultivation and Propagation
Gaultheria howellii is a low-growing evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves. It is native to moist, shady areas in the northern hemisphere. It can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or layering. Seeds should be sown in a cold frame in spring and cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer. Layering should be done in late summer or early fall.
Where to Find Gaultheria howellii
Gaultheria howellii can be found in the Himalayas, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China.
Gaultheria howellii FAQ
What is the scientific name of Gaultheria howellii?
Gaultheria howellii
What is the common name of Gaultheria howellii?
Howell's Wintergreen
What type of plant is Gaultheria howellii?
Evergreen shrub
Species in the Gaultheria genus
Gaultheria abbreviata,
Gaultheria acroleia,
Gaultheria acuminata,
Gaultheria adenothrix,
Gaultheria akaensis,
Gaultheria alnifolia,
Gaultheria amoena,
Gaultheria anastomosans,
Gaultheria angustifolia,
Gaultheria antarctica,
Gaultheria antipoda,
Gaultheria appressa,
Gaultheria arfakana,
Gaultheria atjehensis,
Gaultheria barbulata,
Gaultheria berberidifolia,
Gaultheria blumei,
Gaultheria bolivari,
Gaultheria borneensis,
Gaultheria bracteata,
Gaultheria bradeana,
Gaultheria brevistipes,
Gaultheria buxifolia,
Gaultheria caespitosa,
Gaultheria calyculata,
Gaultheria caparoensis,
Gaultheria celebica,
Gaultheria chiriquensis,
Gaultheria codonantha,
Gaultheria colensoi,
Gaultheria congesta,
Gaultheria cordata,
Gaultheria corvensis,
Gaultheria crassa,
Gaultheria cuneata,
Gaultheria depressa,
Gaultheria dialypetala,
Gaultheria discolor,
Gaultheria discolor,
Gaultheria domingensis,
Gaultheria dumicola,
Gaultheria elegans,
Gaultheria erecta,
Gaultheria eriophylla,
Gaultheria floribunda,
Gaultheria foliolosa,
Gaultheria formosa,
Gaultheria fragrantissima,
Gaultheria glaucifolia,
Gaultheria glaziovii,
Species in the Ericaceae family