Vaccinium cylindraceum aka Gnagamani

Vaccinium cylindraceum, the Azores blueberry, belongs to the heath family, Ericaceae. It comes from the Azores, where it is endemic. Its native range has a subtropical climate. Kew lists its form as a shrub or tree. In gardens, it grows as an upright, bushy, medium-sized shrub. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. The name Vaccinium longiflorum is a synonym of this species.

Garden plants reach about 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres] in height and spread. They take about 10–20 years to reach their full size. This shrub is semi-evergreen, so it retains some foliage rather than remaining fully evergreen. Its bright green leaves have a narrow, lance-shaped outline. The flowers form short racemes, or clusters along a central stem. Each bloom has a long, tube-like shape. The pale yellow flowers have a pink tint. They measure about 0.07 feet [0.02 metres] long.

Oval berries follow the flowers and turn blue-black. Plants for a Future describes fruit reaching about 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] long. The berries are narrow for their length and contain juicy flesh. Their taste is mild and pleasant. People can eat them fresh or cook them. Plants for a Future gives their food value two out of five. It records no known hazards, but this does not establish safety for pets. The same source lists no known medicinal or other uses.

Grow this shrub in acid soil that stays moist but drains well. The RHS lists both sandy and loamy soils as suitable. It also recommends naturally peaty ground. Plants can grow in full sun or partial shade. A sheltered spot suits them, including a woodland garden or its sunny edge. The RHS gives a UK hardiness rating of H4. Plants for a Future lists USDA zones 9–11. These ratings describe hardiness within their own regional systems.

The RHS suggests this species for informal gardens, cottage gardens, beds, and borders. It also includes it among low-maintenance planting choices. Seed and semi-hardwood cuttings provide ways to raise new plants. Pests seldom cause trouble, though disease can occur. Watch for powdery mildew and root rot. Honey fungus is a less frequent risk. A shortage of iron or manganese can cause chlorosis.