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 Partridgeberry
(Vaccinium vitis-idaea). Internationally known
as the lingonberry this relative of the cranberry family
is a low mat forming evergreen shrub with tiny rounded leaves.
These berries grow in the dry, acidic soils of Newfoundland
and Labrador's barrens and coastal headlands. Their twin
flowers have a pinkish hue in bud then turn white as they
bloom in mid-June to mid-July.
The fusing of the two flower ovaries gives rise to a single
dark red berry ripening through September's frost. Tart
in flavour they are high in vitamin C, tannin, anthocyanin,
and antioxidants. These agents are attributed to the prevention
of high blood pressure, urinary tract infections, cardiovascular
disease, cataracts, slowing such aging processes as memory
loss and the deterioration of motor skill, improving circulation,
as well as the prevention of certain forms of cancer.
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