Macleania Rupestris

1. Description

Macleania Rupestris, commonly known as “Andean Blueberry” or “Bolivian Mountain Blueberry,” is a shrub that belongs to the Ericaceae family. It is native to the Andean regions of Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador, where it grows at high altitudes of up to 4,000 meters. The plant has a compact and upright growth habit, reaching a height of up to 1.5 meters.Macleania Rupestris is an evergreen plant that produces small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white. These flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and are followed by small, blue-black berries that are edible but not commonly consumed.

2. Taxonomic Information

3. Appearance

Macleania Rupestris has a dense and bushy growth habit with small, leathery, and glossy leaves that are dark green in color. The plant’s branches are thin and flexible, and they form a compact and upright habit.This shrub produces small, bell-shaped flowers that are about 1 cm in size. The flowers are usually pink, purple, or white and have five petals that are fused at the base. The blooms are followed by small, blue-black berries that are about 0.5 cm in diameter and are not commonly consumed.

4. Care Guide

Macleania Rupestris is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it requires specific growing conditions to thrive.Water: This plant prefers moist but well-draining soil. Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season, and avoid letting the soil dry out completely.Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.Soil: Macleania Rupestris prefers acidic, well-draining soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Use a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and sand to create the ideal soil conditions.Sunlight: This plant prefers full to partial shade and should not be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.Hardiness Zones: Macleania Rupestris is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10 and can tolerate temperatures as low as -5°C.

5. Common Pests & Diseases

Macleania Rupestris is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be affected by certain issues.Pests: The plant can be attacked by spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pests.Diseases: Macleania Rupestris can be affected by root rot and fungal diseases, especially if the soil is not well-draining. Avoid overwatering the plant and ensure proper soil drainage to prevent these issues.

6. Habitat

Macleania Rupestris is native to the Andean regions of Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador, where it grows at high altitudes of up to 4,000 meters. The plant is commonly found in cloud forests and paramo habitats, where it grows in moist and shady conditions.

7. Question and Answer

Q: Is Macleania Rupestris a good plant for beginners?A: Yes, this plant is relatively easy to care for and can be grown by beginners.Q: Can Macleania Rupestris be grown indoors?A: Yes, this plant can be grown indoors, but it requires bright, indirect light and high humidity.Q: Does Macleania Rupestris attract birds?A: Yes, the plant’s small berries are attractive to birds, especially thrushes and waxwings.Q: Can Macleania Rupestris be propagated from cuttings?A: Yes, this plant can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in spring or summer.

9. Related Plants

Other plants in the Macleania genus include:

• Macleania Coccoloboides
• Macleania Grandiflora
• Macleania Ruizii

10. References

• “Macleania Rupestris.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279309&isprofile=0&. Accessed 21 July 2021.
• “Macleania Rupestris.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:858760-1. Accessed 21 July 2021.
• “Andean Blueberry.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/101529/i-macleania-rupestris-i/details. Accessed 21 July 2021.