kinnikinnick

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• bearberry
• mealberry
• sandberry
• bear-grape
• hog-cranberry
• mountain-box
• upland-cranberry
• uva-ursi
• barren myrtle
• bear's grape
• bear's whortleberry
• bear-berry
• burren myrtle
• hog crawberry
• kinnickinnick
• mountain box
• pinemat manzanita
• rapper dandies

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Mairania uva-ursi
• Mairrania uva-ursi
• Uva-ursi procumbens
• Uva-ursi procumbens var. adenotricha
• Uva-ursi procumbens var. coactilis
• Arctostaphylos crassifolia
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi f. stipitata
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi var. angustifolia
• Arctostaphylos officinalis
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi var. leobreweri
• Uva-ursi buxifolia
• Arctostaphylos procumbens
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi var. crassifolia
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi var. adenotricha
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi var. crassifolius
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi subsp. adenotricha
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi f. adenotricha
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi var. alba
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi var. coactilis
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi subsp. coactilis
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi f. coactilis
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi f. heterochroma
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi subsp. crassifolius
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi var. fendleriana
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi f. leobreweri
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi subsp. longipilosa
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi f. longipilosa
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi var. marinensis
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi f. marinensis
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi subsp. monoensis
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi subsp. stipitata
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi var. stipitata
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi var. suborbiculata
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi f. suborbiculata
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi var. pacifica
• Arctostaphylos adenotricha
• Arbutus uva-ursi
• Arbutus officinalis
• Arbutus buxifolia
• Daphnidostaphylis fendleriana

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Moving through the subclass Magnoliidae and order Ericales, it is a member of the family Ericaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is established within the genus Arctostaphylos.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, exhibits a specific distribution across several regions in Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the natural landscapes of Denmark. Additionally, its presence is documented throughout the territories of Finland. The species also inhabits various parts of Great Britain. Finally, its geographical range extends to the islands of Iceland and Ireland.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is defined by its ability to thrive in diverse and often nutrient-poor environments, ranging from temperate forests and expansive heaths to sandy substrates and dense shrubberies. It is particularly well-adapted to the harsh, exposed conditions of the tundra, where its low-growing, prostrate growth habit provides a competitive advantage against wind and extreme temperatures. This species frequently occupies acidic soils and well-drained sites, demonstrating high resilience in ecosystems where competition from larger woody plants may be limited by soil quality or climatic severity.

Habitat :

forest, heath, sand, shrubberies, tundra

Genetics

The genetics of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi are characterized by a stable chromosomal configuration, specifically identified by a ploidy level of 2n, denoting its status as a diploid organism. This diploid nature implies that the plant possesses two complete sets of chromosomes, which provides a foundational genetic framework for its reproductive processes and phenotypic expression. As a diploid species, the inheritance patterns within A. uva-ursi follow Mendelian principles, influencing the stability of its morphological traits and its ability to adapt to various ecological niches. This specific chromosomal makeup is a critical component of its biological identity, ensuring the consistent transmission of genetic information during meiosis and contributing to the overall genomic integrity of the species.

Ploidy :

2, n

Life history

The life history of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, ensuring its long-term presence within its ecological niche. As a chamaephyte, its growing buds are located close to the soil surface, a structural adaptation that aids in survival across various seasonal shifts. This species maintains an evergreen deciduousness, retaining its foliage throughout the year to facilitate continuous photosynthetic potential despite fluctuating environmental conditions.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically categorized as a shrub or subshrub. This plant is a self-supporting, terrestrial species that does not function as a climber, liana, or vine, nor does it act as an epiphyte or parasite, maintaining an independent existence. In terms of stature, it exhibits a variable plant height, typically ranging from a minimum of 0.05 m to a maximum of 1.3 m, with a mean height of approximately 0.16 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1.3 m

Plant height mean:

0.16 m

Plant height min:

0.05 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency in its natural habitat. The plant exhibits a non-carnivorous nutritional strategy, relying entirely on autotrophic processes and soil nutrient uptake rather than the capture of prey. Morphologically, its foliage is defined by a relatively small leaf size, with a mean surface area of 0.425 cm², contributing to its compact growth habit. Furthermore, the plant possesses a mean Specific Leaf Area (SLA) of 62.08 cm²/g, a physiological indicator of its leaf density and the structural investment made in its photosynthetic tissues.

Carnivory :

non-carnivorous

Leaf size mean:

0.425 cm²

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) mean:

62.08 cm²/g

Reproduction

The reproduction of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is characterized by a sexual process, as asexual reproduction is notably absent. The flowering period typically occurs between March and April, utilizing a biotic pollination syndrome primarily mediated by insects, specifically bees. Self-fertilization is present within the species, facilitating successful reproductive cycles. Following pollination, the plant develops fleshy, indehiscent fruits classified as berries. These fruits possess an average length of 0.76 cm and an average width of 0.86 cm. The resulting seeds exhibit a mean mass of approximately 0.01204923 g, with values ranging from a minimum of 0.00474 g to a maximum of 0.075 g, and maintain a consistent seed volume of 11 mm³. Dispersal is achieved through a zoochorous syndrome, specifically via endozoochory, where the fleshy fruits are consumed and the seeds are dispersed through animal digestive tracts.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Dispersal syndrome :

endozoochorous

Flowering time :

Mar

Flowering time :

Apr

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Fruit length mean:

0.76 cm

Fruit type :

berry

Fruit width mean:

0.86 cm

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Reproduction asexual :

absent

Seed mass max:

0.075 g

Seed mass mean:

0.01204923 g

Seed mass min:

0.00474 g

Seed volume max:

11 mm³

Self fertilization :

present

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, root.

Leaf

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Root

1. Marine pollution bulletin

Chemicals

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi has 110 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include arbutin, hydroquinone, CU, Hyperoside, OLEANOLIC ACID.

arbutin

1. Dr. Duke
2. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
3. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
4. Current issues in molecular biology
5. Journal of chromatography. B, Biomedical sciences and applications

hydroquinone

1. Dr. Duke
2. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
3. Ukrainskii biokhimicheskii zhurnal (1978)
4. Journal of chromatography. B, Biomedical sciences and applications

CU

1. Marine pollution bulletin
2. Acta poloniae pharmaceutica

Hyperoside

1. Dr. Duke
2. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

OLEANOLIC ACID

1. Dr. Duke
2. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

TANNIC ACID

1. Dr. Duke
2. FEMS microbiology letters

Tannins

1. Eksperimental'naia i klinicheskaia farmakologiia
2. FEMS microbiology letters

Ursolic acid

1. Dr. Duke
2. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

myricetin

1. Dr. Duke
2. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

(+)-Catechol

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi has 623 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Diuretic, Antibacterial, Antiseptic, Cytotoxic.

Antioxidant

1. Dr. Duke
2. Acta chimica Slovenica
3. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Diuretic

1. Dr. Duke
2. Eksperimental'naia i klinicheskaia farmakologiia
3. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke
2. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Antiseptic

1. Dr. Duke
2. Eksperimental'naia i klinicheskaia farmakologiia

Cytotoxic

1. Dr. Duke
2. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Disinfectant

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of chromatography. B, Biomedical sciences and applications

11B-HSD-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

5-Lipoxygenase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

ACE-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

AP-1-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Conditions

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi has 13 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Arcobacter butzleri, Helicobacter pylori, Urinary tract infections, acne, acne vulgaris.

Arcobacter butzleri

1. Current microbiology

Helicobacter pylori

1. FEMS microbiology letters

Urinary tract infections

1. Current issues in molecular biology

Acne

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Acne vulgaris

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Colitis

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Colon cancer

1. Ecotoxicology and environmental safety

Colorectal cancer

1. Ecotoxicology and environmental safety

Diuretic effect

1. Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine

Hyperglycemia

1. Molecular medicine reports

Preparations

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi has 7 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Gurgem-7, botanical extracts, extracts, medicinal teas, roots.

Gurgem-7

1. Ecotoxicology and environmental safety

Botanical extracts

1. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)

Extracts

1. Microbiological research

Medicinal teas

1. Die Pharmazie

Roots

1. Marine pollution bulletin

Water extract

1. Ukrainskii biokhimicheskii zhurnal (1978)

Water extracts

1. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek