Common name: Madeira Bilberry.

Scientific name: Vaccinium padifolium Sm.

Family: Ericaceae

Distribution and Habitat: This endemic species of Madeira lives in the Laurissilva and in exposed places between 800 and 1700 m altitude. This species may be seen in Porto da Cruz, Poço da Neve and Levada do Barreiro.

Description: Shrub or small tree that may reach a height of 6 m. Its branches which are abundant and are generally reddish when young. The leaves are long and serrated, the flowers are white with red spots and the fruit is a berry that becomes bluish black ripe.

Conservation statute and Threats: Abundant species, under the statutes ascribed to the Laurissilva forest.

Observations: Its fruit is edible and used to make jams. Blooming season is from May to August.