Portuguese Crowberry
Corema albumfam. Ericaceae
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Pl. 3496 — Corema album
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IOverview
Overview
Portuguese Crowberry, known botanically as Corema album, is a small shrub native to Morocco and found in the Azores, Portugal, and Spain. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils that are light (sandy) or medium in texture. It can tolerate both dry and moist conditions and is hardy in zones 7-10. The edible parts of this shrub include its fruit, making it a valuable resource for those interested in local flora. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to adapt to various environmental conditions while providing sustenance through its fruits.
Quick answers
What is Portuguese Crowberry?
Portuguese Crowberry, known botanically as Corema album, is a small shrub native to Morocco and found in the Azores, Portugal, and Spain. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils that are light (sandy) or medium in texture.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Portuguese Crowberry thrives in full to partial sun and prefers dry to moist conditions. It grows best in light (sandy) or medium soil types. Hardy from zones 7-10, this plant is native to Morocco, the Azores, Portugal, and Spain. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains well-drained, as it dislikes overly wet conditions. Propagate through seeds or cuttings. The fruit is edible, making this a useful addition to your garden for both ornamental and culinary purposes.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
7-10
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Portuguese Crowberry for the first time
7steps
Start with Portuguese Crowberry by ensuring it gets the right conditions and care, as it thrives in well-drained soil and partial sun.
- 1
What you'll need
A small plant or seeds, a pot or garden bed, good quality potting mix if planting in a container.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up, or in fall before the first frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants carefully, avoiding damage to roots. For seeds, sow them lightly covered in moist soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during this critical period. Avoid direct sunlight.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry and provide partial sun to full sun exposure. Prune lightly in spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune lightly in early spring to maintain shape and remove any dead branches.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the Portuguese Crowberry is edible and can be consumed raw or used in various preparations. It thrives in dry to moist conditions and partial sun to full sun. While specific culinary uses are not detailed, its fruit can be enjoyed fresh or incorporated into jams and other preserves.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
4 native · 3 introduced
Distribution
4 native · 3 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 4 native· 3 introduced
Europe4 regions
native (2)PortugalSpain
introduced (2)PortugalSpain
Africa1 region
native (1)Morocco
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Ericaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Ericaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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