Bilberry
or Whortleberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) belongs to the Heath family (Ericaceae}
It grows on acid soil, in conditions similar to heather and indeed can
often be found in areas where heather is abundant especially moors.
Bilberry
or Whortleberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) belongs to the Heath family (Ericaceae}
It grows on acid soil, in conditions similar to heather and indeed can
often be found in areas where heather is abundant especially moors.
Various
bees, wasps and flies all pollinate the bilberry flowers The berry is black
with a violet sheen; delicious to eat raw or cooked in a pie. Even sheep
are partial to its flavour, in areas where the berry is abundant grazing
animals have got conspicuously blue tongues.
images © Jacob Kahn