Status:
valid
Authors:
W.W.Sm.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1919
Citation Micro:
Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 11: 210 (1919)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000695347
Common Names
- Prostrate Wintergreen
- Prostrate Snowberry
- Prostrate Gaultheria
Description
Gaultheria prostrata (also called Prostrate Wintergreen, among many other common names) is a small, evergreen shrub that grows to a height of up to 0.5 m. It is native to North America and is found in moist, acidic soils in coniferous forests. The leaves are dark green, glossy and oval-shaped with a pointed tip. The flowers are white and bell-shaped, and the fruits are small, red berries.
Uses & Benefits
Gaultheria prostrata has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and analgesic properties. It is also used as a natural insect repellent and for its fragrant aroma in perfumes and cosmetics.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Gaultheria prostrata has white bell-shaped flowers with five petals and a yellow center. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are small and green with oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Gaultheria prostrata can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist. Cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and rooted in a moist soil mix. Once established, the plants should be kept in a cool, moist environment.
Where to Find Gaultheria prostrata
Gaultheria prostrata is native to the Andes Mountains of Peru and Bolivia.
Gaultheria prostrata FAQ
What is the scientific name of Gaultheria prostrata?
Gaultheria prostrata
What is the common name of Gaultheria prostrata?
Creeping Wintergreen
What is the natural habitat of Gaultheria prostrata?
Gaultheria prostrata is found in moist woods and thickets in the eastern United States and Canada.
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