Vaccinia gloriosa

Abstract

The genus Vaccinium contains not only such well known sections as blueberries, cranberries, lingon berries, and bilberries but also a vast array of tropical epiphytes. Indeed at the equator, one can find terrestrial shrubs on coastal sand dunes; lianas, vines and epiphytes in primary and secondary forests, and epipetric shrubberies at 3200 msm and above. Unfortunately, DNA sequences derived from two chloroplast genes and one nuclear ribosomal gene strongly favour a polyphyletic interpretation for the genus Vaccinium viz.: (1) the Bracteata Clade; (2) the Myrtillus Clade; and (3) the Vaccinium Clade. Prior to dismembering Vaccinium sensu lato, the users, especially the horticultural community, ought to be consulted. Given that V. uliginosum is the type for the genus, what elements ought to be conserved. Conversely, perhaps the boundaries of Vaccinium ought to be expanded to include all the currently recognized segregate genera such agapetes and Cavendishia. © 2004 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.