Mortiño facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mortiño |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Vaccinium
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| Species: |
floribundum
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| Synonyms | |
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Synonymy
Epigynium floribundum Klotzsch
Metagonia marginata (Dunal) Nutt. Vaccinium crenulatum Dunal Vaccinium dasygynum S.F. Blake Vaccinium leiandrum S.F.Blake Vaccinium marginatum Dunal Vaccinium moritzianum Klotzsch Vaccinium mortinia Benth. Vaccinium polystachyum Benth. Vaccinium ramosissimum Dunal Vaccinium tatei Rusby Vaccinium thymifolium Klotzsch |
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Vaccinium floribundum, also known as mortiño or Andean blueberry, is a type of slender shrub. It grows in the northern Andes mountains, which stretch across South America. This plant is special because it produces a tasty, edible fruit that looks a lot like a blueberry!
What is Mortiño?
The mortiño plant is a shrub that can grow quite tall, usually between 2 to 3 meters (about 6 to 10 feet) high. Sometimes, it can also be a very short, low-growing plant. It lives in the Andes mountains in countries like Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. You can find it growing at high elevations, from about 1,800 to 3,800 meters (around 5,900 to 12,500 feet) above sea level.
The Mortiño Berry
The fruit of the mortiño plant is a small, round berry. It has a beautiful bluish-black color and often looks a bit powdery or waxy on the outside. This waxy coating is called "glaucous." The berries are collected by people and are safe to eat.
How People Use Mortiño
People enjoy eating mortiño berries in many ways. They are often eaten fresh, right after being picked. The berries are also used to make delicious preserves, like jams or jellies. You might find them for sale in local markets in the Andes region.
One very important use for mortiño berries is in a special dish. This dish is prepared to celebrate the Day of the Dead, a holiday where families remember and honor their loved ones who have passed away. The berries are mixed with spices and other chopped fruits to create a unique and traditional meal.
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