Ericaceae FAMILY

Gaultheria insana

Edibility

1/5

Medicinal

1/5

Safety & Hazards

The leaves, fruits and the nectar from the flowers contain the toxin andromedotoxin. When consumed in quantity they can cause a sensation of drunkenness, together with watering of the mouth, eyes, and nose; a sensation of cold; abdominal pain; tingling of the skin; convulsions; and paralysis. They can be fatal[ 293 Title Poisonous Plants of North Carolina Publication Author Website http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/poison.htm Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An excellent concise but comprehensive guide to toxic plants that grow in N. Carolina. It lists even those plants that are of very low toxicity, including several well-known food plants such as carrots and potatoes. ].

Botanical Description

Gaultheria insana is an evergreen shrub usually growing 60 - 120cm tall[ 11 Title Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Publication Author Bean. W. Publisher Murray Year 1981 ISBN - Description A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures. ].

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeS. America - S. Chile, Argentina.

HabitatOpen fields or clearings in woods[ 192 Title Narcotic Plants Publication Author Emboden. W. Publisher Studio Vista Year 1979 ISBN 0-289-70864-8 Description A lot of details about the history, chemistry and use of narcotic plants, including hallucinogens, stimulants, inebriants and hypnotics. ].