Macleania rupestris aka Uva Camarona

Macleania rupestris is a woody shrub in the heath family, Ericaceae. It also goes by the name Uva Camarona. Its native range runs from Nicaragua to Venezuela and Bolivia. Kew places it in the wet tropical biome. Records also place it in a wide range of mountain habitats. These include dry forest, wet forest, rainforest, and humid páramo. It occurs in Polylepis forest as well.

The shrub grows about 2–6.6 feet [0.6–2 metres] tall. Some plants take the form of a small tree. Branches can climb and reach 20 feet [6 metres] long. This branch length is distinct from the stated shrub height. The plant can root in soil or grow as an epiphyte. It often forms a lignotuber, a woody swelling at its base. This can reach 3.3 feet [1 metre] across. The supplied account gives no details of bark or leaf shape.

Hummingbirds pollinate the flowers, but the evidence gives no flowering season. The round fruits measure about 0.04–0.05 feet [0.012–0.015 metres] across. Their flesh is soft and juicy. Some fruits taste sweet, while others have little flavour. People eat them fresh or cook them. Local people value the fruit and gather it from wild plants. They also grow the shrub for fruit in some places. Sellers offer the harvest in local markets.

Wild plants occur at heights of 6,560–14,000 feet [2,000–4,267 metres] above sea level. Their habitats span both dry and wet mountain forests. This broad habitat record does not establish garden care needs. The source gives no tested guidance on light, soil, or watering. It also gives no hardiness rating or mature garden spread. Seed is listed as a means of propagation. The supplied evidence names no pests or diseases. It does not describe uses in garden design.

Traditional uses extend beyond food, though these do not prove medical benefit. People eat fresh fruit for lung complaints. They also use a boiled fruit preparation for nervous complaints. Leaves serve as a hot poultice for bruises. The wood provides fuel. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards for this species. That statement does not establish safety for pets or every plant part.