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==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
*

==Bibliography==
* Stephen Foster and Christopher Hobbs. 2002. ''Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs'' (pg. 287). Houghton Miller Company, New York, NY.


==External links==
==External links==

Revision as of 23:14, 6 December 2023

Vaccinium ovatum
Berry
Flower
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Vaccinium
Species:
V. ovatum
Binomial name
Vaccinium ovatum
Pursh 1813

Vaccinium ovatum is a North American species of flowering shrub discovered in 1853 and known by the common names evergreen huckleberry, winter huckleberry, cynamoka berry and California huckleberry.[1] Vaccinium ovatum is classified in phylum: Magnoliaphyta, order: Ericales, family: Ericaceae, genus: Vaccinium, and species: ovatum.[2] It can be found on the Western side of the Cascade Range in North America.[1] It is a fairly tall woody shrub that produces fleshy, edible berries in the summer.[1].The plant is used for a variety of things from food, and medicine, to floral arrangements.[3][2][1] There is currently a lot of research being done to better understand this species.[4][5][6][7]

Physical description

Vaccinium ovatum has characteristically bright red bark.

Vaccinium ovatum is an erect shrub that grows from 0.5 to 3 meters tall[8] and is considered a slow growing plant[8]. The shrub has woody stems with bright red bark[9]. The leaves are waxy, alternately arranged with margins of about 2-5cm, and are egg-shaped[10]. Leaf size is about 2 to 3 centimeters (0.8–1.2 inches) long and about a centimeter wide (0.4 inches) with finely serrated edges[10]. The leaves are a variety of colors from dark green to bright red.[8] This is caused by different intensities of sun exposure[8]. The more sun received the redder the leaf[8]. Vaccinium ovatum produces flowers in the early spring through early summer with white and light pink flowers[10]. These flowers are urceolate, meaning they hang down below the stem they are growing from[10]. The flowers are also bisexual, meaning they possess both organs that produce microgametes, and megagametes[9]. These flowers have five flower parts, and through the lifecycle eventually form a five-chamber fleshy berry[8][10]. The multiples of five classify Vaccinium ovatum as a dicot[11]. Berries are produced and ripen through the summer and into fall[10]. The berries remain on the shrub for up to a month before falling to the ground[10]. These berries are a dark purple to black color and are a little under a centimeter (0.4 inches) in diameter when ripe[10]. They are edible but can be tart[10]. This is probably due to their high acidity[12], with a pH of about 2.6[12].

Genetically speaking, Vaccinium ovatum is typically diploid[10], though research has found rare naturally occurring tetraploids as well as lab produced tetraploids[13][10]. Scientist have tested to see if tetraploidy is correlated with bigger and sweeter berries[13][10]. Although they have found a correlation, it is not statistically significant or reliable[13]. Tetraploidy also provides the individual with better disease prevention due to the increased genetic diversity[13].

Habitat

The primary habitat for Vaccinium ovatum consists of moist, yet well drained and acidic soil[14][15][16]. As many plants, Vaccinium ovatum thrives in the sun but is also very tolerant of shade[16]. These preferred conditions can all be found west of the Cascade Mountain range where this species is often found thriving[14]. Though Vaccinium ovatum can be found in the higher elevations of Southern California, they are primarily found in the coastal forests of Northern California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia[15], where it can grow in the salt spray[16].

Vaccinium ovatum is and understory brush and is often one of the dominant species in the forests it grows in[16]. Other species commonly found growing in conjunction are V. parvifolium (Red Huckleberries), and Symphoricarpos albus (Common Snowberry) [14]. Studies have been done and conclude that Vaccinuim ovatum thrive better in old growth forests opposed to young ones[16]. This is most likely because they are a slow growing plant and require more time to reach maturity[16].

Ecology

Vaccinium ovatum visited by a pollinator

Vaccinium ovatum interacts with many other species for reasons spanning from resource competition to seed dispersal[17][18]. As mentioned above, vaccinium ovatum is one of the dominant or codominant species in the understory[18]. This suggests that vaccinium ovatum is interacting with the other codominant species, such as V. parvifolium (red huckleberries), and Symphoricarpos albus  (common snow berry), as well as the nondominant species in the understory[18].

Vaccinium ovatum also frequently interacts with animals for seed dispersal[18][17]. Their most common method of seed dispersal is when birds and mammals consume their berries and defecate them elsewhere so they can grow a new individual[17][18]. Researchers have recently discovered that banana slugs are also able to reach and consume the berries[19]. Studies were done to make sure passage through the slug's digestive system didn't hinder the seed's ability to germinate, and they concluded that slugs are capable of dispersing the seeds[19]. In addition to seed dispersal, Vaccinium ovatum also relies on other species to disperse their pollen (pollination)[20]. Their flowers are insect pollinated, meaning they attract insects to their flowers so the pollen sticks to them and gets transported to another flower[20].

Vaccinium ovatum is also a common food source for migrating birds[21]. Not only are they a common food but are a healthy food for these birds[21]. A study was done on migratory birds that found leaner birds were found in habitats with much more Vaccinium ovatum plants, and fatter birds were found in habitats with fewer Vaccinium ovatum plants[21].

History

Vaccinium ovatum was first discovered by American botanist J.M. Bigelow[22]. Since its discovery in 1853, Vaccinium ovatum has been sought after for many different reasons[22][23][24]. Some of those reasons include, medicine, food, or to be sold in the floral market[23]. In the 1930's to 1950's, approximately 500-1000 tons were being shipped to Europe for domestic sale per year[23]. Because the beautiful stems and leaves were so popular in floral arrangements in the early 20th century, Vaccinium ovatum started to become more scarce[22]. In an effort to keep them from becoming legally endangered, Frank Moll, a lover of the plant, began to transplant healthy individuals to his property where he started a nursery[22]. Moll later died in 1960, but his nursery continued to thrive even without his care[22].

In 2003 many Vaccinium ovatum populations became infected with a fungal disease caused by Pucciniastrum goeppertianum (witches' broom)[22]. The disease caused stem proliferation and decreased berry production but didn't kill the plants[22]. This may have been a factor in why Vaccinium ovatum is used much less frequently today[22].

Native Americans like the Capella tribe have historically and currently used the berries for food and medicinal purposes[23]. They were known to have traveled up to ten miles to harvest the berries which served as a great source of vitamin C in the winter[24]. In addition to food and medicine, some Native Americans also used the berries for spiritual purposes[25].

Uses

Culinary

Pie made with filling of blueberries and huckleberries

Many people picture the berry when they hear the word huckleberry as opposed to the whole plant[26]. This is probably because huckleberries are considered a novelty food as well has a healthy one[27][26]. Many people consider the huckleberry to be a special treat or a rare snack[26]. Humans typically eat these berries, raw, cooked, or dried[28]. They are also incorporated into many common food items like, pies, pancakes, muffins, other pastries, as well as jams, jellies, wine, and tea[28]. As mentioned above in the history section, many Native Americans have historically and currently used the Vaccinium ovatum berries as a food source[29]. They are especially useful as source of vitamin C in the winter[28].

Cultivation

Individual Vaccinium ovatum bush

Vaccinium ovatum is grown as an ornamental plant for horticultural use by specialty wholesale, retail, and botanic garden native plant nurseries.[30][31] The plant is successful in natural landscape and native plant palette style, and habitat gardens and public sustainable landscape and restoration projects that are similar to its habitat conditions.[30] They are not yet being grown commercially but there is interest in starting to[32][33]. Starting commercial crops would help support the demand from the floral market as well as increase the availability of the berries, and in turn making them less expensive[30][33].

Medicinal

The skin of the Vaccinium ovatum berries contains many anthocyanins that are antioxidants[34]. These antioxidants in many other berries in the Ericaceae family have been proven to fight human pathogens such as Helicobacter pylori, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica[35]. Vaccinium ovatum is currently being tested to see if it possesses these same properties or similar ones[35]. In addition to the berries, the stems and leaves are also collected for personal and commercial medicinal use[36]. As stated above, many Native Americans use the plants for madicinal and spiritual purposes[37].

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d Neill, Kristin E.; Contreras, Ryan N. (2022-02-01). "Does Inducing Tetraploidy in Vaccinium ovatum Improve Fruit Traits and Plant Architecture?". HortScience. 57 (2): 312–318. doi:10.21273/HORTSCI16332-21. ISSN 0018-5345.
  2. ^ a b Kerns, Becky K.; Alexander, Susan J.; Bailey, John D. (2004-12-01). "Huckleberry abundance, stand conditions, and use in western oregon: Evaluating the role of forest management". Economic Botany. 58 (4): 668–678. doi:10.1663/0013-0001(2004)058[0668:HASCAU]2.0.CO;2. ISSN 1874-9364.
  3. ^ Nohynek, Liisa J.; Alakomi, Hanna-Leena; Kähkönen, Marja P; Heinonen, Marina; Helander, Ilkka M.; Oksman-Caldentey, Kirsi-Marja; Puupponen-Pimiä, Riitta H. (Jan 2006). "Berry Phenolics: Antimicrobial Properties and Mechanisms of Action Against Severe Human Pathogens". Nutrition and Cancer. 54 (1): 18–32. doi:10.1207/s15327914nc5401_4. ISSN 0163-5581.
  4. ^ "An Evergreen Huckleberry Industry near the Oregon - ProQuest". www.proquest.com. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  5. ^ "The Condor". academic.oup.com. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  6. ^ Gervais, Jennifer A.; Traveset, Anna; Willson, Mary F. (1998–2007). "The Potential for Seed Dispersal by the Banana Slug (Ariolimax columbianus)". The American Midland Naturalist. 140 (1): 103–110. doi:10.1674/0003-0031(1998)140[0103:TPFSDB]2.0.CO;2. ISSN 0003-0031.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: date format (link)
  7. ^ Neill, Kristin E. "Phenotyping Ornamental Plants: Case Studies in Fruit Quality Attributes from Vaccinium ovatum and Disease Resistance of Cotoneaster spp". ir.library.oregonstate.edu. Ryan N. Contreras. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  8. ^ a b c d e f Kerns, Becky K.; Alexander, Susan J.; Bailey, John D. (2004-12-01). "Huckleberry abundance, stand conditions, and use in western oregon: Evaluating the role of forest management". Economic Botany. 58 (4): 668–678. doi:10.1663/0013-0001(2004)058[0668:HASCAU]2.0.CO;2. ISSN 1874-9364.
  9. ^ a b "Vaccinium ovatum | Plant Propagation Reports". sites.psu.edu. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Neill, Kristin E.; Contreras, Ryan N. (2022-02-01). "Does Inducing Tetraploidy in Vaccinium ovatum Improve Fruit Traits and Plant Architecture?". HortScience. 57 (2): 312–318. doi:10.21273/HORTSCI16332-21. ISSN 0018-5345.
  11. ^ Hill, Nicholas M.; Kloet, Sam P. Vander (2005). "Longevity of Experimentally Buried Seed in Vaccinium: Relationship to Climate, Reproductive Factors and Natural Seed Banks". Journal of Ecology. 93 (6): 1167–1176. ISSN 0022-0477.
  12. ^ a b Lee, Jungmin; Finn, Chad E.; Wrolstad, Ronald E. (2004-11-01). "Comparison of Anthocyanin Pigment and Other Phenolic Compounds of Vaccinium membranaceum and Vaccinium ovatum Native to the Pacific Northwest of North America". Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 52 (23): 7039–7044. doi:10.1021/jf049108e. ISSN 0021-8561.
  13. ^ a b c d Neill, Kristin E. "Phenotyping Ornamental Plants: Case Studies in Fruit Quality Attributes from Vaccinium ovatum and Disease Resistance of Cotoneaster spp". ir.library.oregonstate.edu. Ryan N. Contreras. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  14. ^ a b c Neill, Kristin E.; Contreras, Ryan N. (2022-02-01). "Does Inducing Tetraploidy in Vaccinium ovatum Improve Fruit Traits and Plant Architecture?". HortScience. 57 (2): 312–318. doi:10.21273/HORTSCI16332-21. ISSN 0018-5345.
  15. ^ a b "Vaccinium ovatum | Plant Propagation Reports". sites.psu.edu. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  16. ^ a b c d e f Kerns, Becky K.; Alexander, Susan J.; Bailey, John D. (2004-12-01). "Huckleberry abundance, stand conditions, and use in western oregon: Evaluating the role of forest management". Economic Botany. 58 (4): 668–678. doi:10.1663/0013-0001(2004)058[0668:HASCAU]2.0.CO;2. ISSN 1874-9364.
  17. ^ a b c Hill, Nicholas M.; Kloet, Sam P. Vander (2005). "Longevity of Experimentally Buried Seed in Vaccinium: Relationship to Climate, Reproductive Factors and Natural Seed Banks". Journal of Ecology. 93 (6): 1167–1176. ISSN 0022-0477.
  18. ^ a b c d e Kerns, Becky K.; Alexander, Susan J.; Bailey, John D. (2004-12-01). "Huckleberry abundance, stand conditions, and use in western oregon: Evaluating the role of forest management". Economic Botany. 58 (4): 668–678. doi:10.1663/0013-0001(2004)058[0668:HASCAU]2.0.CO;2. ISSN 1874-9364.
  19. ^ a b Gervais, Jennifer A.; Traveset, Anna; Willson, Mary F. (1998–2007). "The Potential for Seed Dispersal by the Banana Slug (Ariolimax columbianus)". The American Midland Naturalist. 140 (1): 103–110. doi:10.1674/0003-0031(1998)140[0103:TPFSDB]2.0.CO;2. ISSN 0003-0031.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: date format (link)
  20. ^ a b Neill, Kristin E. "Phenotyping Ornamental Plants: Case Studies in Fruit Quality Attributes from Vaccinium ovatum and Disease Resistance of Cotoneaster spp". ir.library.oregonstate.edu. Ryan N. Contreras. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  21. ^ a b c "The Condor". academic.oup.com. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  22. ^ a b c d e f g h "An Evergreen Huckleberry Industry near the Oregon - ProQuest". www.proquest.com. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  23. ^ a b c d Kerns, Becky K.; Alexander, Susan J.; Bailey, John D. (2004-12-01). "Huckleberry abundance, stand conditions, and use in western oregon: Evaluating the role of forest management". Economic Botany. 58 (4): 668–678. doi:10.1663/0013-0001(2004)058[0668:HASCAU]2.0.CO;2. ISSN 1874-9364.
  24. ^ a b "Vaccinium ovatum | Plant Propagation Reports". sites.psu.edu. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  25. ^ Lee, Jungmin; Finn, Chad E.; Wrolstad, Ronald E. (2004-08-01). "Anthocyanin Pigment and Total Phenolic Content of Three Vaccinium Species Native to the Pacific Northwest of North America". HortScience. 39 (5): 959–964. doi:10.21273/HORTSCI.39.5.959. ISSN 0018-5345.
  26. ^ a b c Neill, Kristin E.; Contreras, Ryan N. (2022-02-01). "Does Inducing Tetraploidy in Vaccinium ovatum Improve Fruit Traits and Plant Architecture?". HortScience. 57 (2): 312–318. doi:10.21273/HORTSCI16332-21. ISSN 0018-5345.
  27. ^ Kerns, Becky K.; Alexander, Susan J.; Bailey, John D. (2004-12-01). "Huckleberry abundance, stand conditions, and use in western oregon: Evaluating the role of forest management". Economic Botany. 58 (4): 668–678. doi:10.1663/0013-0001(2004)058[0668:HASCAU]2.0.CO;2. ISSN 1874-9364.
  28. ^ a b c "An Evergreen Huckleberry Industry near the Oregon - ProQuest". www.proquest.com. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  29. ^ "Vaccinium ovatum | Plant Propagation Reports". sites.psu.edu. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  30. ^ a b c Kerns, Becky K.; Alexander, Susan J.; Bailey, John D. (2004-12-01). "Huckleberry abundance, stand conditions, and use in western oregon: Evaluating the role of forest management". Economic Botany. 58 (4): 668–678. doi:10.1663/0013-0001(2004)058[0668:HASCAU]2.0.CO;2. ISSN 1874-9364.
  31. ^ "An Evergreen Huckleberry Industry near the Oregon - ProQuest". www.proquest.com. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  32. ^ "Vaccinium ovatum | Plant Propagation Reports". sites.psu.edu. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  33. ^ a b Neill, Kristin E.; Contreras, Ryan N. (2022-02-01). "Does Inducing Tetraploidy in Vaccinium ovatum Improve Fruit Traits and Plant Architecture?". HortScience. 57 (2): 312–318. doi:10.21273/HORTSCI16332-21. ISSN 0018-5345.
  34. ^ Lee, Jungmin; Finn, Chad E.; Wrolstad, Ronald E. (2004-11-01). "Comparison of Anthocyanin Pigment and Other Phenolic Compounds of Vaccinium membranaceum and Vaccinium ovatum Native to the Pacific Northwest of North America". Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 52 (23): 7039–7044. doi:10.1021/jf049108e. ISSN 0021-8561.
  35. ^ a b Nohynek, Liisa J.; Alakomi, Hanna-Leena; Kähkönen, Marja P; Heinonen, Marina; Helander, Ilkka M.; Oksman-Caldentey, Kirsi-Marja; Puupponen-Pimiä, Riitta H. (Jan 2006). "Berry Phenolics: Antimicrobial Properties and Mechanisms of Action Against Severe Human Pathogens". Nutrition and Cancer. 54 (1): 18–32. doi:10.1207/s15327914nc5401_4. ISSN 0163-5581.
  36. ^ Kerns, Becky K.; Alexander, Susan J.; Bailey, John D. (2004-12-01). "Huckleberry abundance, stand conditions, and use in western oregon: Evaluating the role of forest management". Economic Botany. 58 (4): 668–678. doi:10.1663/0013-0001(2004)058[0668:HASCAU]2.0.CO;2. ISSN 1874-9364.
  37. ^ Lee, Jungmin; Finn, Chad E.; Wrolstad, Ronald E. (2004-08-01). "Anthocyanin Pigment and Total Phenolic Content of Three Vaccinium Species Native to the Pacific Northwest of North America". HortScience. 39 (5): 959–964. doi:10.21273/HORTSCI.39.5.959. ISSN 0018-5345.
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