Vaccinium bracteatum aka Sea Bilberry

Vaccinium bracteatum, or sea bilberry, belongs to the heath family, Ericaceae. It grows as an evergreen shrub, though Kew also records a tree form. Its native range spans southern China, parts of Japan, and western Malesia. It also occurs across other parts of eastern and southeastern Asia. It grows in forests and thickets, including low mountain sites in Japan. Kew classes its climate as subtropical.

Plants For A Future gives a shrub height of about 3.3 feet [1 metre]. The plant keeps its leaves through the year. Its flowers have both male and female organs, and insects pollinate them. The fruit measures about a quarter-inch across. People can eat it fresh or cook it. The supplied sources give no species-level details of leaf shape, bark, or flower colour. They also give no flowering season or mature spread.

Grow this shrub in moist soil that drains well. It suits sandy or loamy ground with plenty of leaf mould. It needs acid soil, with a stated pH range of 4.5–6. Lime can cause chlorosis, so avoid lime-rich ground. Full sun and light shade both suit it. A sunny site gives better fruit crops. Shelter it from strong winds. A sunny woodland edge offers a suitable garden setting. Its evergreen growth and edible fruit give it value there.

Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 6–9. It reports survival at Kew but favours milder places. Avoid disturbing the roots when moving or planting it. Raise young plants in pots before setting them in their final site. Sow seeds in a lime-free mix under glass. Cover them with only a thin layer of compost. Stored seed may need up to three months of cold treatment. Keep seedlings under glass for their first winter. Plant them out after the last expected frost.

Layering in late summer or early autumn offers another way to raise plants. Half-ripe cuttings are an option, but rooting can be slow and difficult. Plants For A Future records no known hazards. That report does not establish safety for pets or every plant part. It also notes historical use for cancer treatment, without evidence here of benefit or safety. The source does not flag the species as a weed.