bog bilberry

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• bog bilberry
• alpine bilberry
• bog bilberry
• bog blueberry
• tundra bilberry
• Northern Bilberry
• western-huckleberry
• Alpine Blueberry
• bog Whortleberry

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Myrtillus uliginosus

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered under Ericales and situated in the family Ericaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Vaccinium.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern concentrated throughout various regions of Northern Europe. Its presence can be documented across the coastal and inland areas of Denmark and Finland. Furthermore, it is found growing within the unique landscapes of the Faroe Islands. The species also extends its range to include the territories of Great Britain. Finally, its geographical reach encompasses the rugged terrain of Iceland.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Vaccinium uliginatum is primarily defined by its preference for forest environments, where it thrives within the complex structural layers of wooded ecosystems. It typically occupies the understory or forest edges, benefiting from the filtered light and moisture-retentive organic matter provided by the forest canopy and leaf litter. As a component of these woodland habitats, the plant plays a role in the nutrient cycling process and provides essential resources within its specific ecological niche. The presence of this species is often indicative of the particular soil compositions and microclimates found within these forested regions, where it interacts with local fungal networks and various forest fauna.

Habitat :

forest

Genetics

The genetics of Vaccinium uliginatum are characterized by a complex chromosomal framework typical of many members of the Ericaceae family, which often exhibit varying degrees of polyploidy. Based on specific cytogenetic data, the base haploid number for this species is identified as n, representing the fundamental genomic unit from which different ploidy levels may arise through autopolyploidy or allopolyploidy events. This genetic structure influences the plant's evolutionary adaptability and its ability to colonize diverse ecological niches. The inheritance patterns within the species are governed by these chromosomal sets, which dictate the phenotypic expression of various medicinal and morphological traits. Understanding the specific ploidy levels is essential for distinguishing between different cytotypes within the species, as variations in the genome can lead to significant differences in biochemical profiles and reproductive strategies.

Ploidy :

n

Life history

The life history of Vaccinium uliginatum is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist across multiple growing seasons. As a chamaephyte, its life form is defined by having its buds located close to the ground level, which provides a level of resilience to environmental stressors. This species exhibits a deciduous nature, shedding its foliage annually as part of its seasonal rhythm.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Vaccinium uliginosum is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically manifesting as a shrub. It is a terrestrial, independent plant that does not function as an epiphyte or a parasite. In terms of stature, it is a self-supporting species with a plant height that typically ranges from a minimum of 0.05 m to a maximum of 1.2 m, maintaining a mean height of approximately 0.55 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1.2 m

Plant height mean:

0.55 m

Plant height min:

0.05 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Vaccinium uliginatum is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway and a non-carnivorous nutritional strategy. Its leaf morphology is defined by an elliptic form with entire margins, completely lacking in thorns or spines. The leaves exhibit a diverse size range, with lengths measuring between a minimum of 1 cm and a maximum of 2.8 cm, maintaining a mean length of 1.9 cm. The width of the foliage varies from a minimum of 0.6 cm to a maximum of 1.5 cm, resulting in a mean leaf size of approximately 1.13451 cm². Furthermore, the plant possesses a mean Specific Leaf Area (SLA) of 144.84 cm²/g, reflecting its structural approach to light interception and resource allocation.

Carnivory :

non-carnivorous

Leaf form :

elliptic

Leaf length max:

2.8 cm

Leaf length mean:

1.9 cm

Leaf length min:

1 cm

Leaf margin :

entire

Leaf size mean:

1.13451 cm²

Leaf spines :

no

Leaf thorns :

no

Leaf width max:

1.5 cm

Leaf width min:

0.6 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) mean:

144.84 cm²/g

Reproduction

The reproduction of Vaccinium uliginosum is driven by sexual processes through bisexual flowers, as asexual reproduction is notably absent. The flowering period typically commences in May and concludes in June. These flowers rely on biotic pollination syndromes, specifically utilizing insects to facilitate fertilization; notably, self-fertilization is absent, ensuring genetic diversity through cross-pollination. Following successful pollination, the plant develops fleshy, indehiscent fruits classified as berries. These berries typically reach a mean length of 0.865 cm and a mean width of 0.835 cm, though they can reach maximum dimensions of 1 cm in both length and width. The dispersal of the species follows a zoochorous pattern, specifically through endozoochory, where animals consume the fruit and disperse the seeds. The seeds themselves are quite small, with a mean mass of approximately 0.01214291675 g (ranging from a minimum of 0.000106 g to a maximum of 0.00077 g) and a consistent seed volume of 0.19 mm³.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Dispersal syndrome :

endozoochorous

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Jun

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Fruit length max:

1 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.865 cm

Fruit type :

berry

Fruit width max:

1 cm

Fruit width mean:

0.835 cm

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Reproduction asexual :

absent

Reproduction sexual :

bisexual

Seed mass max:

0.00077 g

Seed mass mean:

0.01214291675 g

Seed mass min:

0.000106 g

Seed volume max:

0.19 mm³

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Vaccinium uliginosum has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include polyphenols, Anthocyanins, Epicatechin, Ursolic acid, quercetin.

polyphenols

1. International journal of biopharmaceutical sciences
2. Frontiers in pharmacology

Anthocyanins

1. International journal of biopharmaceutical sciences

Epicatechin

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Ursolic acid

1. International journal of biopharmaceutical sciences

quercetin

1. International journal of biopharmaceutical sciences

Activities

Vaccinium uliginosum has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.

Antimicrobial

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Antioxidant

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Conditions

Vaccinium uliginosum has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cancer, common cold.

Cancer

1. International journal of biopharmaceutical sciences

Common cold

1. International journal of biopharmaceutical sciences