GAULTHERIA

The Gaultheria or Checkerberry as it is sometimes called is an evergreen, frost tolerant shrub, which is low growing and spreads to about one metre. It flowers from July to August, and the seeds ripen from October to December. The flowers are hermaphrodite (they have both male and female organs). The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor places. It can grow in full shade or semi-shade and requires dry or moist soil. It can tolerate drought, making it an ideal plant for those awkward spots in the garden or in containers. The plant comes into its own though with other properties that we may not be so familiar with. The fruit can be eaten raw and it has a very strong spicy taste of germolene, (a bit like a hospital waiting room). It improves after a frost. The fruit hangs onto the plant until spring if they are not eaten by birds. The berries can also be used in pies, or made into jams. A very agreeable tea is made from the fresh leaves. A stronger tea can be made by first fermenting the bright red leaves. It is also used to flavour beer, sweets, chewing gum amongst other thing.


MEDICINAL USES
Checkerberry leaves were widely used by the native North American Indians in the treatment of aches and pains and to help breathing whilst hunting or carrying heavy loads. An essential oil (known as 'oil of wintergreen') is obtained from the leaves and contains methyl salicylate, (which is closely related to aspirin and is an effective anti-inflammatory). The plant, especially in the form of the essential oil, is most useful when applied externally in the treatment of acute cases of rheumatism, sciatica. The oil is sometimes used in the treatment of cellulitis, a bacterial infection that causes the skin to become inflamed.

Caution is advised, especially if the oil is used internally, since essential oil is toxic in excess, causing liver and kidney damage. Seek professional advice before you try. The essential oil is used as food flavouring, and in perfumery and toothpastes. So there you have it, this plant has everything, it is a great ground cover and it can also treat your ailments and flavour your ale! Again though a word of caution - make sure you have the right plant and you are sure you are not allergic to aspirin.

Horticultural.