Medicinal Uses

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit | Edible Uses: CoffeeFruit - raw. Succulent[200]. Sweet, but with little flavour[225]. The bright blue fruit is about 7mm in diameter[200, 225]. The roasted seed is an excellent coffee substitute[153].

Cultivation

Requires a moist, very well-drained neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun or light shade[200]. Succeeds in most soils, so long as they are well-drained[225]. This species is proving to be very difficult to grow in Britain[225]. Somewhat intolerant of frost, plants are only likely to succeed outdoors in the milder areas of Britain[200]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[200, 225]. Unlike most members of this genus, this species is hermaphrodite[200, 225].

Known Hazards

None known

Habitats

Wet peaty places in alpine, sub-alpine and montane zones, to 1,200 metres[225].