Status:
valid
Authors:
(Molina) D.J.Middleton
Source:
cmp
Year:
1990
Citation Micro:
Edinburgh J. Bot. 47: 297 (1990)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000695205
Common Names
- Fetid Wintergreen
- Fetid Gaultheria
- Insana Wintergreen
Description
Gaultheria insana (also called Insane Gaultheria, among many other common names) is a species of shrub native to South America. It is an evergreen shrub that grows up to 2 m in height and has a spreading canopy. Its leaves are ovate-lanceolate, glossy green, and measure up to 5 cm in length. It is found in tropical and subtropical forests, as well as in disturbed habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Gaultheria insana 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 insana has small, white, bell-shaped flowers with five petals and five sepals. The flowers are followed by small, red, fleshy berries, which contain the seeds. The seedlings of this plant are small and delicate, with small, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Gaultheria insana 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 insana
Gaultheria insana is native to the Himalayas and can be found in the mountain regions of India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Gaultheria insana FAQ
What is the scientific name of Gaultheria insana?
Gaultheria insana
What is the common name of Gaultheria insana?
Mountain wintergreen
What is the natural habitat of Gaultheria insana?
Mountainous regions of North America
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