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Botanical Name: Gaultheria japonica
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Gaultheria
Class: Dicotyledon
Order: Bicornes

Common Names: Creeping Snowberry

Habitat: Gaultheria japonica is native to E. Asia – central and northern Japan. It grows on the mossy grounds under conifers at elevations of 1600 – 2000 metres.

Desacription:
Gaultheria japonica is an evergreen shrub with slender, loosely-branched, prostrate stems 20 – 60cm long . It’s groth rate is very fast. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine
. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist or wet soil.

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Cultivation:
Prefers a moist but not boggy humus rich soil in shade or semi-shade. A peat and moisture loving species, it requires a lime-free soil. A fast growing plant. The plant can make a good nesting place for mice, these mice then eat the bark of the stems in winter causing die-back. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Gaultheria japonica bears a close resemblance to G. hispidula (L.) Bigelow of N. America and sometimes treated as a variety or subspecies of the latter. G. japonica, however, has calyx much longer than the bracteoles, ovate and acute calyx lobes, and shorter anther projections. In G. hispidula the calyx is as long as or slightly longer than the bracteoles, the calyx lobes are broadly ovate and obtuse or subacute, and the anthers have distinct projections.

Propagation:
Through seeds> The seed requires a period of cold stratification. Pre-chill for 4 – 10 weeks and then surface sow in a lime-free compost in a shady part of the greenhouse and keep the compost moist[78]. The seed usually germinates well, usually within 1 – 2 months at 20°c, but the seedlings are liable to damp off. It is important to water them with care and to ensure that they get plenty of ventilation. Watering them with a garlic infusion can also help to prevent damping of. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are about 25mm tall and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter]. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. The seedlings are susceptible to spring frosts so might need some protection for their first few years outdoors. The leaves remain very small for the first few years. Cuttings of half-ripe wood 3 – 6cm long, July/August in a frame in a shady position. They form roots in late summer or spring. A good percentage usually take. Division in spring just before new growth begins. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Layering.

Edible Uses:
Fruits are edible, eaten – raw or cooked. Pleasantly acid and refreshing, with a delicate flavour of wintergreen. An agreeable sub-acid taste, similar to G. shallon. They can be made into delicious preserves[183]. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter[200]. Leaves – raw or cooked. The leaves are used to make a tea. A mild flavour of wintergreen. Said to be superior to china tea.
Medicinal Uses:
The plant is said to remove the cancerous taint from the body. An infusion of the leaves has been used as a tonic for a person who has overeaten.

Other Uses:
A useful fast growing very good ground cover plant for shady positions.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Gaultheria+japonica
https://www.bing.com/search?q=description++of+Gaultheria+japonica+plant&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&pq=description+of+gaultheria+japonica+plant&sc=6-40&sk=&cvid=6927BE43268F41F397EE766424C0D36A&ghsh=0&ghacc=0&ghpl=

Botanical Name: Gaultheria hispida
Family: Ericaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Ericales
Genus: Gaultheria

Common Names:Snowberry or Copperleaf snowberry

Habitat: Gaultheria hispida is native to Australia – Tasmania.. It grows on the mountains to 1200 metres. Usually in wet eucalyptus forests in the montane and sub-alpine zone

Description:
Gaultheria hispida is a small, erect multi-branched shrub that can grow up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in a protected site, such as a forest, but will be smaller in more exposed alpine sites. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Its leaves grow to be 4–9 cm (1.6–3.5 in) long and appear dark green and glossy with depressed veins and finely serrated leaf margins, tinged copper. Stems are usually red with terminal clusters of small white, urn-shaped flowers at its apex. The plant flowers in Spring through Summer followed by distinctive snowy white sepals enclosing reddish capsules or “fruit” in Autumn. The fruit is about 8 – 10mm wide.

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Cultivation:
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. Prefers a moist but not boggy humus rich soil in shade or semi-shade. A peat and moisture loving species, it requires a lime-free soil. Prefers a warmer climate than Britain in order to do really well, but it is quite hardy here. It is sometimes temperamental in cultivation. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland).

Propagation:
Gaultheria hispida can be easily propagated from cuttings or seeds, making it a favourable garden plant. The seed requires a period of cold stratification. Pre-chill for 4 – 10 weeks and then surface sow in a lime-free compost in a shady part of the greenhouse and keep the compost moist. The seed usually germinates well, usually within 1 – 2 months at 20°c, but the seedlings are liable to damp off. It is important to water them with care and to ensure that they get plenty of ventilation. Watering them with a garlic infusion can also help to prevent damping of. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are about 25mm tall and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. The seedlings are susceptible to spring frosts so might need some protection for their first few years outdoors. The leaves remain very small for the first few years. Cuttings of half-ripe wood 3 – 6cm long, July/August in a frame in a shady position. They form roots in late summer or spring. A good percentage usually take. Division in spring just before new growth begins. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Layering.

Edible Uses:
The fruit of G. hispida are edible and have bitter taste. They were commonly collected by Tasmanian Aboriginal People as bushfood and were eaten by early settlers. Other members of the genus Gaultheria have been used to make teas and jellies, and even claimed to have natural anti-inflammatory properties.

Medicinal Uses: The plant is said to remove the cancerous taint from the body. An infusion of the leaves has been used as a tonic for a person who has overeaten.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaultheria_hispida
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Gaultheria+hispida

Botanical Name: Gaultheria fragrantissima
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Gaultheria
Class: Dicotyledon
Order: Bicornes

Synonyms: Gaultheria ovalifolia.

Common Names : Fragrant Wintergreen, Indian Wintergreen (English). Gandhupura (in hindi)

Habitat: Gaultheria fragrantissima is native to E. Asia – N. India to Sri Lanka and Malaya. It grows in the forests and shrubberies, usually on dry slopes, at elevations of 1200 – 2700 metres in the Himalayas.

Description:
Gaultheria fragrantissima is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is a robust shrub with ovate-lanceshaped evergreen leaves, and with numerous spike-like clusters of small fragrant white or pink globular flowers. Flower clusters are 2.5-8 cm long, shorter than the leaves. Flowers are short-stalked, 4 x 3 mm wide. Leaves are pointed, 5-10 cm long, smooth above, margins are bristly-toothed. It is a branched shrub up to 1.75 m tall. Berries are 6 mm, with dark violet-blue fleshy pointed sepals. Fragrant Wintergreen is found in the Himalayas, from Uttarakhand to SE Tibet and Myanmar, at altitudes of 1500-2700 m. Flowering occurs in April-May.
The bruised leaves have a powerful camphor-like scent. The flowers are scented like lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis). This species is highly variable in the size and shape of leaves. In general these varieties are the result of habitat differences. If in forest understories or at forest margins, it is a large shrub or small tree with large leaves. If on sunny slopes or among thickets, it is often a small shrub with narrow leaves.

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Cultivatiion:
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil. Prefers a moist but not boggy humus rich soil in shade or semi-shade. A peat and moisture loving species, it requires a lime-free soil. This species is not very hardy in Britain, it only succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of the country. It grows well in Cornwall. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagation:
Through seeds: The seed requires a period of cold stratification. Pre-chill for 4 – 10 weeks and then surface sow in a lime-free compost in a shady part of the greenhouse and keep the compost moist[78]. The seed usually germinates well, usually within 1 – 2 months at 20°c, but the seedlings are liable to damp off. It is important to water them with care and to ensure that they get plenty of ventilation. Watering them with a garlic infusion can also help to prevent damping of. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are about 25mm tall and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter[K]. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. The seedlings are susceptible to spring frosts so might need some protection for their first few years outdoors. The leaves remain very small for the first few years. Cuttings of half-ripe wood 3 – 6cm long, July/August in a frame in a shady position. They form roots in late summer or spring. A good percentage usually take. Division in spring just before new growth begins. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Layering.

Edible Uses:
Fruits are edible , eaten – raw or cooked. The purplish-blue fruit is about 8mm in diameter. Leaves are also eaten – raw. Chewed (to relieve thirst?). An essential oil obtained from the leaves is used as a flavouring. A tea is made from the leaves.

Medicinal Uses:
The essential oil obtained from the leaves is antiseptic, aromatic, carminative and stimulant. It is used in the treatment of rheumatism, scabies and neuralgia. It is also taken internally in the treatment of hook worms. The juice of the leaves is used in the treatment of coughs. Both the juice and the whole leaves are usd as an anthelmintic that is effective against hookworms. The unripe fruits are chewed or made into a juice to treat stomach troubles.
Chemical composition – The essential oil is nearly 98% methyl salicylate (powerful analgesic). It may also contain contain triacontane, formaldehyde, gaultheriline and varies other aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols.

Properties – Powerful analgesic, antiseptic, emmenagogue, antibacterial, stimulant, anti-arthritic and anti-rheumatic, anti-spasmodic, dermoprotective, detoxifier, diuretic, stimulates proper blood circulation, maintains proper functioning of gall bladder, liver, kidneys, endocrinal glands, digestive system, excretory system natural emmenagogue.

Recommendation – Chronic rheumatism and arthritis, muscular pains, lower back pain, achy joints and inflammation, all kinds of spasms in the respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system, circulatory system and muscles, respiratory disorders like asthma, chest congestion, breathing problems and spasmodic coughs. Skin infections, bladder infections, hypertension, edema, obesity, irregular menstruation, uterine ulcers, dysmennorhea, blocked menses, pain in the pelvic region, hair fall, hemorrhages, fatigue, vomiting and stress related to menstruation.
Other Uses: The leaves yield around 1.25% of an essential oil, this is a wintergreen substitute and it is used in perfumery, as a hair oil and medicinally.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Gaultheria+fragrantissima
https://www.star-ayurveda.com/gaultheria-fragrantissima/
https://www.bimbima.com/herbs/wintergreen-gaultheria-fragrantissima-information-uses-and-side-effects/62/

Botanical Name: Gaultheria depressa
Family: Ericaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Ericales
Genus: Gaultheria
Species: G. depressa
Synonyms: G. antipoda depressa.
Common Names: Mountain snow berry or Alpine wax berry
Habitat: Gaultheria depressa is native to rocky area of Australia – Tasmania, to New Zealand. It grows on montane to alpine zone in open places in grassland, herbfield and boggy land up to 1800 metres, in North South and Stewart Islands from 39° southwards.

Description:
In Australia, Gaultheria depressa is a prostrate shrub 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in) high and 50 to 150 cm (19.5 to 59 in) across. It grows larger in New Zealand.It is in leaf all year. The small leaves can be oval or round and measure 0.5 to 1 cm (0.20 to 0.39 in) in length and have serrate margins. The small white tubular flowers appear from September to January and are followed by white or red fruit which is around 1 cm (0.39 in) in diameter. The berries are edible. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.

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Cultivation:
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Prefers a moist but not boggy humus rich soil in sun or semi-shade. A peat and moisture loving species, it requires a lime-free soil. Plants are not very hardy in Britain and tend to be short-lived in cultivation. The plant can make a good nesting place for mice, these mice then eat the bark of the stems in winter causing die-back. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagation:
Through seeds. The seed requires a period of cold stratification. Pre-chill for 4 – 10 weeks and then surface sow in a lime-free compost in a shady part of the greenhouse and keep the compost moist[78]. The seed usually germinates well, usually within 1 – 2 months at 20°c, but the seedlings are liable to damp off. It is important to water them with care and to ensure that they get plenty of ventilation. Watering them with a garlic infusion can also help to prevent damping of. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are about 25mm tall and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter[K]. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. The seedlings are susceptible to spring frosts so might need some protection for their first few years outdoors. The leaves remain very small for the first few years. Cuttings of half-ripe wood 3 – 6cm long, July/August in a frame in a shady position. They form roots in late summer or spring. A good percentage usually take. Division in spring just before new growth begins. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Layering.

Edible Uses: Fruits are edible: Eaten – raw or cooked. Sweet and juicy but apt to become rather dry later in the season. The fruit is about 8 – 15mm in diameter.

Medicinal Uses: Gaultheria is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is particularly effective against muscle, ligament and joint inflammations.
Other Uses: A ground-cover for areas in sun or light shade.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaultheria_depressa#:~:text=Gaultheria%20depressa%2C%20commonly%20known%20as%20the%20mountain%20snow,Ronald%20Campbell%20Gunn%20at%20Ben%20Lomond%20in%20Tasmania.
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Gaultheria+depressa

Botanical Name: Cruciata laevipes
Family: Rubiaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Order: Gentianales
Genus: Cruciata
Species: C. laevipes

Synonyms:
*Valantia cruciata L.
*Galium cruciata (L.) Scop.
*Galium cruciata var. laevipes (Opiz) W.D.J.Koch
*Rubia cruciata (L.) Baill.
*Valantia hirsuta Gilib.
*Aparine latifolia Moench
*Galium valantia G.Gaertn., B.Mey. & Scherb.

Common Names: Crosswort, Smooth bedstraw or Luc na croise in Gaelic.

Habitat: Cruciata laevipes is native to Europe, including Britain, from the Netherlands to Poland, south to S. Europe, W. Asia and Siberia. It grows on open woodland, scrub, hedges, waysides and pastures, especially on calcareous soils.

Description:
iata laevipes is a perennial sprawling plant that can grow to a height of 15–70 cm (6–28 in), spreads by seeds and stolons and has, unusually amongst this group, yellow hermaphrodite flowers. The inner flowers are male and soon fall off, whilst the outer are bisexual and produce the fruit. The flowers smell of honey. Of the whorls of four leaves, only two in each group are real leaves, the other two being stipules. It is associated with arbuscular mycorrhiza that penetrate the cortical cells of the roots.  It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from June to July Pollination is by bees and flies.

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Cultivation:
Cruciata laevipes prefers a loose moist leafy soil in some shade. Tolerates dry soils but the leaves quickly become scorched when growing in full sun]. This species does not thrive in a hot climate. The flowers have a sweet powerful perfume. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.

Propagation:
Through seed – best sown in situ as soon as it is ripe in late summer. The seed can also be sown in spring though it may be very slow to germinate. Division in spring or throughout the growing season if the plants are kept well watered[200]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Edible Uses: Leaves are vedible , eaten – raw or cooked.

Mediicinal Uses:
The herb is astringent, diuretic and vulnerary. It is not much used nowadays, but was considered a very good wound herb for both external and internal use. A decoction of the leaves has also been used to treat obstructions of the stomach and bowels, to stimulate the appetite and as a remedy for rheumatism, rupture and dropsy. A number of species in this genus contain asperuloside, a substance that produces coumarin and gives the scent of new-mown hay as the plant dries. Asperuloside can be converted into prostaglandins (hormone-like compounds that stimulate the uterus and affect blood vessels), making the genus of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry.

Other Uses: A red dye is obtained from the root. Good to grow in flower garden.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruciata_laevipes
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cruciata+laevipes