Gaultheria alnifolia (Dunal) A.C.Sm. var. alnifolia

  • Family

    Ericaceae (Magnoliophyta)

  • Scientific Name

    Gaultheria alnifolia (Dunal) A.C.Sm. var. alnifolia

  • Common Names

    pejoa, pejua, pesgua, pijoa, albricias

  • Description

    Description: Stems, petioles, leaves beneath, rachis, pedicels, calyx, and corolla without strigose hairs; stems also without white puberulence. Bracteoles linear-ovate, often aristate, 3.5-4.5 x 0.5-1.2 mm. Corolla 4-6 mm long, glabrous without; stamens 3.2-3.5 mm long; filaments 2.3-2.5 mm long; style 3-3.5 mm long. Fruiting calyx glabrous.

    Distribution: Nearly endemic to Venezuela where it is common in the Coastal Cordillera, scattered in the Andes, and rare in the eastern tepuis of Edo. Bolívar at elevations of 1000-3050 m; one collection is known from adjacent Colombia at 950-1087 m.

    Common names: Venezuela: pejua (Anzoátegui); pesgua (Distrito Federal); albricias, laurel del pequeño (Mérida); pijoa (Monagas); pejoa (Sucre); laurel (Táchira)

    Uses: The plant is used for colds in Edo. Anzoátegui where the leaves are placed in boiling sugar-water and then the infusion drunk.

  • Floras and Monographs

    Gaultheria alnifolia (Dunal) A.C.Sm. var. alnifolia: [Article] Luteyn, James L., et al. 1995. Ericaceae, Part II. The Superior-Ovaried Genera (Monotropoideae, Pyroloideae, Rhododendroideae, and Vaccinioideae P.P.). Fl. Neotrop. Monogr. 66: 560.