Gaultheria cumingiana
Gaultheria cumingianafam. Ericaceae
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Pl. 22BC — Gaultheria cumingiana
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IOverview
Overview
Gaultheria cumingiana, a member of the Winteraceae family, is native to Southeast Asia and parts of Indonesia, including China South-Central, China Southeast, Jawa, Malaya, Myanmar, Philippines, Sumatera, Taiwan, and Vietnam. This evergreen shrub thrives in partial sun to shade and prefers moist, light (sandy) to medium soil. It can grow up to 3 meters tall and is known for its edible fruit. The plant's adaptability to a range of environments makes it an interesting addition to gardens or as a source of food in its native regions.
Quick answers
What is Gaultheria cumingiana?
Gaultheria cumingiana, a member of the Winteraceae family, is native to Southeast Asia and parts of Indonesia, including China South-Central, China Southeast, Jawa, Malaya, Myanmar, Philippines, Sumatera, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Gaultheria cumingiana thrives in partial sun to shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It grows best in hardiness zones 9-11 and can reach a height of 3 meters. For propagation, use the fruit as the edible part from which new plants can be grown. Ensure the plant has adequate moisture to maintain its health and vigor.
Light
Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
9-11
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Gaultheria cumingiana for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Gaultheria cumingiana in a partially shaded area, ensuring you have the right soil and care basics down.
- 1
What you'll need
A young plant or seeds, well-draining potting mix, and a container if planting in a pot.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Gaultheria cumingiana during spring or early fall when the weather is mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a light, well-draining soil mix. Ensure containers have drainage holes if planting in pots.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants into your garden bed or pot. Sow seeds in trays filled with moist seed starting mix.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and place the plant in a partially shaded area to avoid direct sunlight.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Provide partial shade and mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead branches. Harvest fruit when ripe.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, using heavy soil that doesn't drain well, not providing enough shade, and neglecting regular watering.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of Gaultheria cumingiana is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It is commonly consumed fresh but may also be dried for later use. Skip
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
10 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
10 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 10 native
Asia6 regions
native (6)ChinaMyanmarPhilippinesTaiwanThailandVietnam
Broader regions
native:Jawa, Malaya, Sumatera
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
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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