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Herbal Database Search ResultsBack to: Pathways Main Search Page For Metaphysical uses visit The Witchs Haven Arctostaphylos manzanita
Physical CharacteristicsAn evergreen shrub growing to 2m by 2m . It is hardy to zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from February to April. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. We rate it 3/5 for edibility and 1/5 for medicinal use. The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid soils and can grow in very acid soil. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure. Habitats and Possible LocationsWoodland, Sunny Edge.Edible UsesFruit.Fruit - raw or cooked[3, 46, 61]. An agreeable acid flavour but the fruit is dry and mealy[95]. Hard to digest, the fruit should be eaten in moderation[95]. It can be dried and ground into a powder[105, 161] and then used as a flavouring in soups, bread etc[213, 257]. A cooling drink can be made from the fruit[161]. The berries can be crushed to make a sweet, unfermented cider[257]. Medicinal UsesDisclaimerAppetizer; Astringent; Poultice; Stomachic.
A poultice of the chewed leaves is applied to sores and headaches[257].
The leaves are chewed as a treatment for stomach ache and cramps[257]. An
infusion of the leaves is used to treat severe colds and diarrhoea[257].
Other UsesDye; Fuel; Soap.
A yellowish-brown dye is obtained from the leaves, it does not require
a mordant[168].
Cultivation detailsRequires a deep moist well-drained light or medium lime-free loam in sun or semi-shade but plants produce less fruit when they are grown in the shade[200]. Prefers a warm sunny position[3, 166]. Tolerates maritime exposure[49, 166, 182].Plants are not hardy in the colder parts of Britain, they tolerate temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[200]. Pollination is often poor in Britain[3]. Another report says that the plant does not fruit in this country[11]. This species is called A. pungens manzanita by some botanists[11]. A specimen seen at Cambridge B.G. was 2.5m tall in 1989[K]. Plants resent root disturbance and should be placed in their final positions as soon as possible[11, 134]. PropagationSeed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe. Pre-soak dried seed in boiling water for 10 - 20 seconds or burn some straw on top of them and then stratify at 2 - 5°c for 2 months[11, 200]. Another report says that the seed requires 60 days warm followed by 60 days cold stratification[160]. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 3 months at 15°c[134]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame or greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer.Cuttings of side shoots of the current season's growth, 5 - 8cm with a heel, August to December in a frame. Takes one year[1, 78]. Division in early spring. Take care because the plant resents root disturbance. Pot the divisions up and keep them in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are growing away actively. Layering in spring[200]. SuppliersFor more details of plant suppliers please see our Suppliers Page which lists many more places to look. Web References
References for the family Ericaceae.
See the PFAF Links Pages for other sources. Also try Photos and info from the The Plants Database which has 14,000 images. References[K] Ken Fern
[1] F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951 [3] Simmons. A. E. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles 1972 ISBN 0-7153-5531-7 [11] Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981 [46] Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959 [49] Arnold-Forster. Shrubs for the Milder Counties. [61] Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974 ISBN 0094579202 [71] Munz. A California Flora. University of California Press 1959 [78] Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948 [95] Saunders. C. F. Edible and Useful Wild Plants of the United States and Canada. Dover Publications 1976 ISBN 0-486-23310-3 [105] Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976 [134] Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan. 1988 [160] Natural Food Institute, Wonder Crops. 1987. [161] Yanovsky. E. Food Plants of the N. American Indians. Publication no. 237. U.S. Depf of Agriculture. [166] Taylor. J. The Milder Garden. Dent 1990 [168] Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. 1974 ISBN 0-02-544950-8 [182] Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2 [200] Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5 [213] Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books 1980 ISBN 0-449-90589-6 [257] Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998 ISBN 0-88192-453-9 Readers CommentsBack to: Pathways Home page, Main Search Page Help Bibliography
Plant information taken from the
Plants For A Future -
Species Database.
Copyright (c) 1997-2003.
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We make no claims of magical effects or supernatural powers for any item in this catalog. In spite of legendary attributes or occult and craft tradition, such items are offered as curios only and beliefs concerning their magical effectiveness are related only for historical interest. |
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