Empetrum rubrum explained

Empetrum rubrum, known as red crowberry or diddle-dee (Chilean Spanish: Murtilla de Magallanes), is a species of plant in the heath family, Ericaceae.

Distribution and habitat

The species is distributed in Chile from Talca (35°S) to Cape Horn (55°S), in areas of adjacent Argentina, in the Falkland Islands, and in Tristan da Cunha. One of its northernmost natural growing places is Laguna del Maule.

In Chile, it often grows in high-altitude areas close to the tree line and can tolerate alpine conditions such as strong winds and high sun exposure. In the Falkland Islands, it is the dominant species across large areas of lowland and upland dwarf shrub heath.

Uses

Its fruits are edible.[1]

In culture

It is referenced in the Falkland Islands' unofficial national anthem.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Michail Belov . Description and images of Empetrum rubum . May 19, 2010 . ChileFlora.