Uursi grapes they are characterized by being an evergreen shrub, which has as its fruits some berries that stand out for being among the favorites of bears, which is why they are usually also known as "bear berry".
In addition, it is a plant that has a really long history within the treatment of urinary problems not only in America, but also in Europe.
Features
Es a bush that is evergreen and lush. It grows to around five or six meters, although if it is cared for and pruned, it can be kept below three meters.
Its leaves are born in pairs, they have an elongated shape that ends with a sharp point, they are pale green and their length varies between 10 and 20cm. Besides, has soft, fine villi on its sides, ribs or veins in the middle and some secondaries really visible.
It has flowers that are born in clusters of between two and 12 grapes, both white and pink, which are born from the youngest branches and they have a single pistil and numerous stamens.
Being tender its stems are angular and they turn a light brown color when they begin to mature, in addition, they are usually used for medicinal purposes. Its fruits are oval or rounded, smooth and fleshy, having an intense red tone that makes it similar to the American blueberry.
Care
Uva ursi usually has a very simple culture and it does not require much care, so in order to ensure that it develops correctly, it is enough to take into account the following factors:
- Location: It must be planted outdoors, where it can be directly exposed to the sun and / or in semi-shade. It is perfectly capable of withstanding frosts of even -17ºC.
- Ground: It is essential that the land has a high or neutral pH, in addition to having an adequate drainage system.
- Subscriber: Liquid organic fertilizers should be applied from the beginning of spring until the end of summer.
- Irrigation: It must be done three times a week during the summer and every five or six days during the other times of the year.
- Pruning: It is not necessary to prune this plant, however, if you want to shape the bush, it is usually recommended to do it at the beginning of spring.
Farming
Ursi grapes grow best when grown in soils that have a alkaline pH, acid or neutral, even managing to support soils with a low contribution of nutrients. Likewise, and when planted in soils with a loamy or sandy texture that remain slightly humid, the underground part of this shrub will develop with greater vigor.
Taking into account the above, it will be necessary adjust the frequency of irrigation in a midpoint (trying to make them remain humid but without creating puddles, since it does not tolerate them), considering external factors such as temperature, soil texture, sun exposure, humidity of the environment, etc.
In relation to the lighting needs of this plant, it is possible to ensure that not it is an overly demanding bush, so that if your crop cannot be located in an area with a large entrance of light, it can even be placed in a space with a lot of shade, without having to worry that its location may affect in some way its proper development.
In the same way and in relation to the rigidity of the adverse conditions that it can withstand, it is necessary to take into account that the minimum temperature range that this plant has the capacity to withstand, turns out to be those of Zone 4, which indicates that could perfectly withstand frost and continue to have great development.
Pests
This is a type of plant that can be affected by the attack of pests of coccoids and aphids, in addition, to be able to develop diseases caused by the presence of mushrooms.
Among the pests that normally attack it are the following:
- Mites.
- Blind hen or whip.
- Guava fly.
- Guava weevil.