Discover the uses and benefits of Blueberry or Vaccinium macrocarpon.

large cranberries or Vaccinium macrocarpon

large lingonberries or Vaccinium macrocarpon

The Vaccinium macrocarpon It is a small perennial shrub that belongs to the Ericaceae family, commonly known as blueberry. It is native to the eastern side of North America and it is a hermaphroditic plant (it has male and female organs) pollinated by insects. Its name comes from an old Latin name, supposedly derived from a prehistoric Mediterranean language.

Characteristics of Vaccinium macrocarpon

green bush with small red strawberries

green bush with small red berries

The Vaccinium macrocarpon it is a small plant that hardly exceeds 50 cm in heightbeing of short branches that reach 20 cm in length. Its white flowers are small and have reflective petals. It has a robust stem from which its leaves emerge, bright green on the upper surface and opaque white on the underside, lanceolate and oval.

Of small flowers about 1,5 cm wide, has four very thin white petalsThey are arranged in groups of rounded heads along their branches. The fruits of this plant are spherical, medium-sized and have a bright reddish color.

Cultivation and propagation

The large cranberry has different requirements in relation to the climate and other conditions for its best development. During the summer and particularly under high temperatures, it is best to keep it indoors in partial shade. Tolerates humid climatic conditions and low temperatures.

It is recommended to place the plant in places with little ventilation because excessive wind can affect the leavesespecially when surface water tends to evaporate rapidly. To preserve the soil with sufficient moisture, it is good to insert a little bark to protect the blueberry from excessive weeds.

The Vaccinium macrocarpon prefers humid and cold environments, hence the importance of watering it frequently, at least during the beginning of spring and autumn. Although it is necessary to ensure that a stagnation of water does not form that can create the conditions of humidity prone to the formation of fungi. Nevertheless, drought is one of the greatest dangers of the plant.

During spring it is recommended to add organic fertilizers, always paying close attention not to touch the roots of the blueberry plant. In any case, blueberries require moist soilacid pH and with good drainage, ideal conditions for its development.

Now, if you have a calcareous soil, you can improve it by frequently inserting a small amount of peat. There is also the option of growing the species in pots. It is important to bear in mind that this plant has quite delicate roots. The propagation of this plant occurs in most cases by woody cutting. The procedure begins with the rooting of the branches Until the end of the summer, afterwards, it is inserted into a compost prepared with peat and sand in similar quantities while the first shoots emerge.

Vaccinium macrocarpon has a slow development, to such an extent that the cuttings sometimes have problems to root quickly. Regarding the harvesting of the fruits, the ideal is to wait at least 2 years.

Plagues and diseases

It is a plant not prone to pests or diseases. Nevertheless, it is important to be vigilant when growing in calcareous, heavy soil with a very high pHsince these characteristics tend to create conditions that cause radical rot, as well as iron chlorosis, to appear.

Uses and contraindications

The fruit is used in the prevention of urinary tract infections Because it prevents bacteria that reside in this tract from adhering to the bladder walls and causing serious kidney infections such as Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus. Its regular consumption helps in the acidification of the urine with a natural antibiotic effect.

It is also useful in the treatment of diseases such as osteoporosis, venous insufficiency, water retention and cardiovascular diseases due to its rich antioxidant content. Its juice prevents the adhesion of microbes responsible for cavities and gum disorders. It improves patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

One of its components is oxalate, which is considered a risk factor for patients with kidney stones. Diabetic people should not ingest it in the form of juice due to its high sugar content. According to recent studies, cranberry seems to be able to increase the risk of bleeding and therefore should be avoided in patients treated with anticoagulant medications.

Discover the uses and benefits of Blueberry or Vaccinium macrocarpon.

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