295 Species of Genus Gaultheria

A Deep Dive into Gaultheria: My Personal Exploration of a Diverse Genus

As a plant enthusiast, I’m always fascinated by the sheer diversity of the botanical world. One genus that has particularly captured my attention is Gaultheria, a group of shrubs belonging to the Ericaceae family. This diverse genus boasts over 283 species, each with its unique characteristics and charm. In this article, I, Ferb Vu, will delve into the world of Gaultheria, exploring its origins, characteristics, and some of its most notable species.

Origins and Distribution

Gaultheria is named after Jean François Gaultier, an 18th-century Canadian physician and botanist. The genus has a wide distribution, with species found in Asia, Australasia, and North and South America. These plants typically thrive in acidic soils, often inhabiting mountainous regions and woodlands.

Distinctive Characteristics of Gaultheria

Gaultheria species are generally evergreen shrubs, meaning they retain their leaves throughout the year. They are often characterized by their simple, leathery leaves and small, bell-shaped flowers, which can be white, pink, or red. One of the most appealing features of Gaultheria is their fruits. These are typically fleshy berries or capsules, and they come in a variety of colors, including red, white, blue, and black. The fruits of some species, like Gaultheria procumbens (Eastern Teaberry), are edible and have a distinctive minty flavor.

Gaultheria Species

The genus Gaultheria encompasses a vast array of species, each with its own unique attributes. Here are:

  1. Gaultheria abanii (Argent) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  2. Gaultheria abbreviata J.J.Sm.
  3. Gaultheria abscondita (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  4. Gaultheria acroleia Sleumer
  5. Gaultheria acuminata Schltdl. & Cham.
  6. Gaultheria adenothrix (Miq.) Maxim.
  7. Gaultheria akaensis S.Panda & Sanjappa
  8. Gaultheria albiflora (T.Z.Hsu) P.W.Fritsch & Lu Lu
  9. Gaultheria alnifolia (Dunal) A.C.Sm.
  10. Gaultheria amboinensis (Becc.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  11. Gaultheria amoena A.C.Sm.
  12. Gaultheria anastomosans (Mutis ex L.f.) Kunth
  13. Gaultheria angustifolia Brandegee
  14. Gaultheria annamensis (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  15. Gaultheria antarctica Hook.f.
  16. Gaultheria antipoda G.Forst.
  17. Gaultheria aperta (J.J.Sm.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  18. Gaultheria apiculifera (J.J.Sm.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  19. Gaultheria apoensis (Elmer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  20. Gaultheria appressa A.W.Hill
  21. Gaultheria arfakana Sleumer
  22. Gaultheria argentii Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  23. Gaultheria atjehensis J.J.Sm.
  24. Gaultheria aurea (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  25. Gaultheria auyantepuiensis Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  26. Gaultheria balgooyi (Argent) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  27. Gaultheria barbigera (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  28. Gaultheria barbulata Sleumer
  29. Gaultheria bartolomei (Ferreras & Argent) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  30. Gaultheria beamanii Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  31. Gaultheria beccarii Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  32. Gaultheria benitotanii (Argent) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  33. Gaultheria benomensis Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  34. Gaultheria berberidifolia Sleumer
  35. Gaultheria × biluoensis P.W.Fritsch & Lu Lu
  36. Gaultheria borneensis Stapf
  37. Gaultheria brachyantha (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  38. Gaultheria bracteata (Cav.) G.Don
  39. Gaultheria bradeana Sleumer
  40. Gaultheria brevistipes (C.Y.Wu & T.Z.Xu) R.C.Fang
  41. Gaultheria bryoides P.W.Fritsch & L.H.Zhou
  42. Gaultheria buxifolia Willd.
  43. Gaultheria caespitosa Poepp. & Endl.
  44. Gaultheria campii Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  45. Gaultheria capitata (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  46. Gaultheria cardiosepala Hand.-Mazz.
  47. Gaultheria cardonae (A.C.Sm.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  48. Gaultheria carrii (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  49. Gaultheria caryophylloides (J.J.Sm.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  50. Gaultheria caudatifolia (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  51. Gaultheria celebensis (J.J.Sm.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  52. Gaultheria celebica J.J.Sm.
  53. Gaultheria chiriquensis Camp
  54. Gaultheria chrysothrix (Stapf) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  55. Gaultheria ciliisepala Airy Shaw ex P.W.Fritsch & Lu Lu
  56. Gaultheria ciliolata (Hook.f.) F.Muell.
  57. Gaultheria cinnabarina (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  58. Gaultheria cinnamomifolia (Stapf) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  59. Gaultheria clementium (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  60. Gaultheria codonantha Airy Shaw
  61. Gaultheria coi (Argent) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  62. Gaultheria colensoi Hook.f.
  63. Gaultheria commutata (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  64. Gaultheria consobrina (Becc.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  65. Gaultheria corvensis (R.R.Silva & Cervi) Romão & Kin.-Gouv.
  66. Gaultheria crassa Allan
  67. Gaultheria crassifolia (Airy Shaw) P.W.Fritsch & Lu Lu
  68. Gaultheria cuneata (Rehder & E.H.Wilson) Bean
  69. Gaultheria depressa Hook.f.
  70. Gaultheria dialypetala Sleumer
  71. Gaultheria discolor Nutt. ex Hook.
  72. Gaultheria dolichopoda Airy Shaw
  73. Gaultheria domingensis Urb.
  74. Gaultheria dumicola W.W.Sm.
  75. Gaultheria eciliata (Rae & D.G.Long) P.W.Fritsch & L.H.Zhou
  76. Gaultheria edulis (Schltr.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  77. Gaultheria ensifolia (Merr.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  78. Gaultheria epiphytica (H.R.Fletcher) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  79. Gaultheria erecta Vent.
  80. Gaultheria eriophylla (Pers.) Mart. ex Sleumer
  81. Gaultheria eymae Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  82. Gaultheria × fagifolia Hook.f.
  83. Gaultheria filipes (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  84. Gaultheria fimbriata (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  85. Gaultheria floribunda (Camp) ined.
  86. Gaultheria foliolosa Benth.
  87. Gaultheria fragrantissima Wall.
  88. Gaultheria gajoensis Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  89. Gaultheria gallowayana (Argent) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  90. Gaultheria glaucicaulis (Argent) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  91. Gaultheria glauciflora (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  92. Gaultheria glaucifolia Hemsl.
  93. Gaultheria glomerata (Cav.) Sleumer
  94. Gaultheria gonggashanensis P.W.Fritsch & Lu Lu
  95. Gaultheria gracilescens Sleumer
  96. Gaultheria gracilipes (J.J.Sm.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  97. Gaultheria gracilis Small
  98. Gaultheria griffithiana Wight
  99. Gaultheria haemantha (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  100. Gaultheria hapalotricha A.C.Sm.
  101. Gaultheria hendrianiana (Argent) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  102. Gaultheria heteromera R.C.Fang
  103. Gaultheria heterophylla (Blume) Zoll. & Moritzi
  104. Gaultheria hirta Ridl.
  105. Gaultheria hispida R.Br.
  106. Gaultheria hispidula (L.) Muhl. ex Bigelow
  107. Gaultheria hookeri C.B.Clarke
  108. Gaultheria howellii (Sleumer) D.J.Middleton
  109. Gaultheria humifusa (Graham) Rydb.
  110. Gaultheria hypochlora Airy Shaw
  111. Gaultheria insana (Molina) D.J.Middleton
  112. Gaultheria insignis (R.C.Fang) P.W.Fritsch
  113. Gaultheria insipida Benth.
  114. Gaultheria × intermedia J.J.Sm.
  115. Gaultheria itatiaiae Wawra
  116. Gaultheria japonica (A.Gray) Sleumer
  117. Gaultheria jiewhoei (Mustaqim) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  118. Gaultheria jingdongensis R.C.Fang
  119. Gaultheria × jordanensis Brade & Sleum.
  120. Gaultheria kalimantanensis (P.Wilkie & Argent) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  121. Gaultheria kalmiifolia (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  122. Gaultheria kamengiana S.Panda & Sanjappa
  123. Gaultheria kemiriensis Sleumer
  124. Gaultheria kemulensis (J.J.Sm.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  125. Gaultheria kinabaluensis (Stapf) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  126. Gaultheria kingii (Merr.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  127. Gaultheria kitangladensis (P.W.Fritsch) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  128. Gaultheria kjellbergii (J.J.Sm.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  129. Gaultheria kosteri (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  130. Gaultheria kostermansii (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  131. Gaultheria lamii (J.J.Sm.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  132. Gaultheria lanceolata Hook.f.
  133. Gaultheria lanigera Hook.
  134. Gaultheria lavandulifolia (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  135. Gaultheria ledermannii (Schltr.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  136. Gaultheria leucocarpa Blume
  137. Gaultheria lilianae (J.J.Sm.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  138. Gaultheria linifolia (Phil.) Teillier & R.A.Rodr.
  139. Gaultheria loheri (Merr.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  140. Gaultheria lohitiensis S.Panda & Sanjappa
  141. Gaultheria longiracemosa Y.C.Yang
  142. Gaultheria lorentzii (Koord.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  143. Gaultheria losirensis Sleumer
  144. Gaultheria lotungensis (Argent) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  145. Gaultheria luchunensis Yi R.Li, Lu Lu & P.W.Fritsch
  146. Gaultheria luzonica A.Gray
  147. Gaultheria lysolepis (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  148. Gaultheria macrocalyx Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  149. Gaultheria macrostigma (Colenso) D.J.Middleton
  150. Gaultheria major (Airy Shaw) P.W.Fritsch & Lu Lu
  151. Gaultheria malayana Airy Shaw
  152. Gaultheria mangshanensis Yi R.Li, Lu Lu & P.W.Fritsch
  153. Gaultheria mantorii (Argent) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  154. Gaultheria marginata (N.E.Br.) D.J.Middleton
  155. Gaultheria marronina P.W.Fritsch & Lu Lu
  156. Gaultheria marticorenae Teillier & P.W.Fritsch
  157. Gaultheria megabracteata (Argent) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  158. Gaultheria megalodonta A.C.Sm.
  159. Gaultheria mekonggaensis (Argent & Widjaja) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  160. Gaultheria memecyloides (Stapf) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  161. Gaultheria merrillii Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  162. Gaultheria microsalicifolia (Argent) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  163. Gaultheria minuta Merr.
  164. Gaultheria minutiflora (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  165. Gaultheria mogeana (Argent) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  166. Gaultheria morobeensis (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  167. Gaultheria mucronata (L.f.) Hook. & Arn.
  168. Gaultheria multiglandulosa (Steyerm. & Maguire) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  169. Gaultheria muluensis Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  170. Gaultheria mundula F.Muell.
  171. Gaultheria muscicola (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  172. Gaultheria myrsinoides Kunth
  173. Gaultheria myrtilloides Cham. & Schltdl.
  174. Gaultheria myrtillus (Stapf) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  175. Gaultheria natmataungensis P.W.Fritsch
  176. Gaultheria ngii (Argent) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  177. Gaultheria nivea (J.Anthony) Airy Shaw
  178. Gaultheria notabilis J.Anthony
  179. Gaultheria novaguineensis J.J.Sm.
  180. Gaultheria nubicola D.J.Middleton
  181. Gaultheria nubigena (Phil.) B.L.Burtt & Sleum.
  182. Gaultheria nummularioides D.Don
  183. Gaultheria obovata (Airy Shaw) P.W.Fritsch & Lu Lu
  184. Gaultheria oppositifolia Hook.f.
  185. Gaultheria oreogena A.C.Sm.
  186. Gaultheria orophila (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  187. Gaultheria othmanii (Argent) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  188. Gaultheria ovatifolia A.Gray
  189. Gaultheria paniculata B.L.Burtt & A.W.Hill
  190. Gaultheria papuana (Mustaqim, Utteridge & Heatubun) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  191. Gaultheria paramicola A.Rojas
  192. Gaultheria parvula D.J.Middleton
  193. Gaultheria paucinervia P.W.Fritsch & C.M.Bush
  194. Gaultheria paulsmithii (Argent) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  195. Gaultheria pendens (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  196. Gaultheria penduliflora (Stapf) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  197. Gaultheria pernettyoides Sleumer
  198. Gaultheria phillyreifolia (Pers.) Sleumer
  199. Gaultheria piceifolia (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  200. Gaultheria pilosa (Blume) Zoll. & Moritzi
  201. Gaultheria pingbienensis (C.Y.Wu) Yi R.Li, Lu Lu & P.W.Fritsch
  202. Gaultheria pinifolia (Stapf) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  203. Gaultheria pittosporifolia (J.J.Sm.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  204. Gaultheria platyphylla (P.W.Fritsch) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  205. Gaultheria poeppigii DC.
  206. Gaultheria praticola C.Y.Wu
  207. Gaultheria procumbens L.
  208. Gaultheria prostrata W.W.Sm.
  209. Gaultheria pseudonotabilis H.Li ex R.C.Fang
  210. Gaultheria pseudorufescens (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  211. Gaultheria pubivertex (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  212. Gaultheria pullei J.J.Sm.
  213. Gaultheria pumila (L.f.) D.J.Middleton
  214. Gaultheria punctulata (Stapf) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  215. Gaultheria puradyatmikae (Mustaqim, Utteridge & Heatubun) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  216. Gaultheria purpurascens Kunth
  217. Gaultheria purpurea R.C.Fang
  218. Gaultheria pyrolifolia Hook.f. ex C.B.Clarke
  219. Gaultheria pyroloides Hook.f. & Thomson ex Miq.
  220. Gaultheria racemulosa (DC.) D.J.Middleton
  221. Gaultheria renjifoana Phil.
  222. Gaultheria reticulata Kunth
  223. Gaultheria retusa (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  224. Gaultheria rhombica (Argent) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  225. Gaultheria rigida Kunth
  226. Gaultheria rigidifolia (P.W.Fritsch & C.M.Bush) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  227. Gaultheria rosea (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  228. Gaultheria rosmarinifolia (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  229. Gaultheria rubella (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  230. Gaultheria rubidiflora (J.J.Sm.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  231. Gaultheria rufa (Stapf) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  232. Gaultheria rupestris (G.Forst.) G.Don
  233. Gaultheria rupicola (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  234. Gaultheria sagittanthera (J.J.Sm.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  235. Gaultheria sanguinolenta (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  236. Gaultheria santanderensis A.C.Sm.
  237. Gaultheria saurauioides (J.J.Sm.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  238. Gaultheria scabrida (Becc.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  239. Gaultheria schramii (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  240. Gaultheria schultesii Camp
  241. Gaultheria schultzei (Schltr.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  242. Gaultheria sclerophylla Cuatrec.
  243. Gaultheria semi-infera (C.B.Clarke) Airy Shaw
  244. Gaultheria sepikensis Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  245. Gaultheria serrata (Vell.) Kin.-Gouv. ex Luteyn
  246. Gaultheria × serrulata Herzog
  247. Gaultheria seshagiriana Subba Rao & Kumari
  248. Gaultheria setiloba (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  249. Gaultheria setulosa N.E.Br.
  250. Gaultheria shallon Pursh
  251. Gaultheria sinensis J.Anthony
  252. Gaultheria sleumeri Smitinand & P.H.Hô
  253. Gaultheria sleumeriana Kin.-Gouv.
  254. Gaultheria smithii Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  255. Gaultheria solitaria Sleumer
  256. Gaultheria soror (Becc.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  257. Gaultheria speciosa (A.C.Sm.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  258. Gaultheria sphenophylla (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  259. Gaultheria stapfiana Airy Shaw
  260. Gaultheria steenisii Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  261. Gaultheria stellaris (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  262. Gaultheria stenophylla P.W.Fritsch & Lu Lu
  263. Gaultheria stereophylla A.C.Sm.
  264. Gaultheria steyermarkii Luteyn
  265. Gaultheria straminea R.C.Fang
  266. Gaultheria strigosa Benth.
  267. Gaultheria subcorymbosa Colenso
  268. Gaultheria subglobularis (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  269. Gaultheria suborbicularis W.W.Sm.
  270. Gaultheria sulawesiensis Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  271. Gaultheria sulcinervia Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  272. Gaultheria sumatrensis (Merr.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  273. Gaultheria supyanii (Argent) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  274. Gaultheria taiwaniana S.S.Ying
  275. Gaultheria tasmanica (Hook.f.) D.J.Middleton
  276. Gaultheria tenuifolia (Phil.) Sleumer
  277. Gaultheria tetracme (Airy Shaw) P.W.Fritsch & Lu Lu
  278. Gaultheria tetramera W.W.Sm.
  279. Gaultheria thymifolia Stapf ex Airy Shaw
  280. Gaultheria tomentosa Kunth
  281. Gaultheria triangulanthera (J.J.Sm.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  282. Gaultheria trichophylla Royle
  283. Gaultheria trigonoclada R.C.Fang
  284. Gaultheria trinervia (Elmer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  285. Gaultheria ulei Sleumer
  286. Gaultheria undata (J.J.Sm.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  287. Gaultheria urceolata (Stapf) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  288. Gaultheria urdanetensis (Elmer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  289. Gaultheria vaccinioides Griseb. ex Wedd.
  290. Gaultheria vareschii (Steyerm.) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  291. Gaultheria varians (Sleumer) Kron & P.W.Fritsch
  292. Gaultheria viridicarpa J.B.Williams
  293. Gaultheria viridiflora Sleumer
  294. Gaultheria wardii C.Marquand & Airy Shaw
  295. Gaultheria wuliangshanensis Yi R.Li, Lu Lu & P.W.Fritsch

My Personal Experiences with Gaultheria

I first encountered Gaultheria while hiking in the Appalachian Mountains. The vibrant red berries of Gaultheria procumbens caught my eye, and I was immediately intrigued by their unique minty aroma. Since then, I’ve been fascinated by this genus and have cultivated several species in my own garden. I particularly enjoy the wintergreen scent of Gaultheria procumbens, which adds a refreshing touch to my garden, especially during the colder months.

The Importance of Gaultheria

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Gaultheria species have played significant roles in various cultures. Some species have been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, while others have served as food sources. For example, the leaves of Gaultheria procumbens have been used to treat aches, pains, and fevers, while the berries of Gaultheria shallon have been a traditional food source for indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest.

Conservation Efforts

While many Gaultheria species are relatively common, some are facing threats due to habitat loss and over-harvesting. It’s crucial to support conservation efforts to protect these valuable plants and ensure their continued existence for future generations.

Conclusion

Gaultheria is a captivating genus that offers a wealth of diversity and beauty. From the aromatic Eastern Teaberry to the vibrant Prickly Heath, each species has its own unique characteristics and charm. Whether you’re a seasoned botanist or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, exploring the world of Gaultheria is a rewarding experience.

I hope this article has provided you with a deeper understanding and appreciation for this remarkable genus. As I continue my own exploration of Gaultheria, I’m constantly amazed by its diversity and resilience. I encourage you to seek out these plants in your local gardens, parks, or natural areas and discover their beauty for yourself.

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