Myrteola nummularia aka Cranberry Myrtle

Myrteola nummularia, or cranberry myrtle, belongs to the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. It is an evergreen shrub that grows close to the ground. Its native range runs through western South America to the Falkland Islands. Kew places it in a temperate climate. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. The name Myrtus nummularia is a synonym. In the wild, it grows on raised ground within bogs, often among sphagnum moss.

This small shrub reaches about 0.33 feet (0.1 metres) tall. Its spread reaches about 1.6 feet (0.5 metres). Low branches take root as they spread, forming a carpet. The plant keeps its leaves throughout the year. Growth is slow, and new plants take time to settle. It suits ground cover, planted beds, and rock gardens. Its low form also suits moist stones in a rockery. Space plants about 1.5 feet (0.45 metres) apart for ground cover. Keep weeds down during the first few years after planting.

Flowers appear from May to June, according to Plants For A Future. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees pollinate the flowers, and the plant is self-fertile. Fruit follows in late autumn and early winter. Seeds ripen from November to December. The fruit reaches about 0.03 feet (0.01 metres) across. Its flesh is soft and juicy, with a sweet, lightly aromatic taste. Eat the fruit raw or cook it. The leaves can also serve as a tea substitute.

Choose a sunny site, as the plant does not grow in shade. Plants For A Future favours moderately fertile loam with good drainage. It also reports success in sandy soils and clay. Suitable soil reactions range from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. The plant accepts dry or moist soil and tolerates coastal exposure. Another report favours a cool site. Its bog habitat does not mean it needs waterlogged garden soil. The stated garden preference remains soil that drains well.

Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 7–10. It also warns that outdoor success in Britain depends on location. It reports better results south and west of London. Plants at Kew grew and fruited in a sunny rock garden. This suggests that site choice matters alongside the broad hardiness range. The source lists no known hazards or medicinal uses. It does not flag the species as weedy. Its main stated uses are edible fruit, tea leaves, and ground cover.