Alpine bearberry (Arctous alpina, H.G.A.Engler & K.A.E.Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam. 4(1): 48 (1889))

Family: Ericaceae

Author: (L.) Nied.

Bibliography: H.G.A.Engler & K.A.E.Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam. 4(1): 48 (1889)

Year: 1889

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Arctous

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Subarctic & Subalpine

Description

Alpine bearberry, scientifically known as Arctous alpina, is a remarkable plant that thrives in extreme climatic conditions, specifically in subarctic and subalpine regions. This resilient plant belongs to the family Ericaceae, a diverse family known for its variety of hardy shrubs.

Originally detailed by H.G.A.Engler and K.A.E.Prantl in their 1889 publication “Nat. Pflanzenfam.,” the Alpine bearberry was authored by (L.) Nied. The natural habitat of Arctous alpina spans across the colder climates, reflecting its adaptability and tenacity in less hospitable environments.

Alpine bearberry typically forms low-growing, mat-like structures close to the ground, which helps it withstand harsh winds and conserve moisture in its root system. The plant’s leaves are adapted to reduce water loss and endure cold temperatures, while its flowers and berries provide a splash of color and seasonal interest to the otherwise barren landscapes. These attributes make Arctous alpina not only a vital component of its ecosystem but also an interesting subject for botanical studies focused on plant resilience and adaptation.

This plant is integral to its native habitats, contributing to soil stability and offering resources to local fauna, such as berries that are consumed by various animals. Its presence signals a healthy ecosystem and underscores the incredible diversity within the Ericaceae family.

In summary, the Alpine bearberry is a testament to nature’s ingenuity, illustrating how life persists and thrives in some of the planet’s most challenging environments.

Common Names

En: Alpine bearberry, Alpine manzantia, Black bearberry, Mountain bearberry, Torpedo berry
Zh: 北极果
Da: Bjerg-melbærris
Fi: Riekonmarja
Fr: Busserole alpine, Arctostaphyle alpin, Busserole des Alpes, Herbe à caribou, Raisin d’ours des Alpes
Ik: Kavlaq
Kl: Pilukuluut
Ko: 산월귤
Se: Rievssatmuorji, Gironmuorji, Guovžžalasta, Guovžžamuorji
No: Rypebær, Bkønbær, Hestebær, Korpebær, Troldbær
Nb: Rypebær
Nn: Rypebær
Fa: خلنگ آلپی
Sv: Riekonmarja, Ripbär

Synonyms

• Arctostaphylos alpina ((L.) Spreng.)
• Mairania alpina ((L.) Desv.)
• Arctostaphylos alpina var. japonica ((Nakai) Hultén)
• Mairrania alpina ((L.) Desv.)
• Vaccinium merkii (Fisch. ex Herder)
• Uva-ursi alpina ((L.) Gray)
• Arbutus alpina (L.)
• Arctous japonica (Nakai)
• Arctous alpina var. japonica ((Nakai) Ohwi)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Albania (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Aleutian Is. (native)
• Altay (native)
• Amur (native)
• Austria (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• Chita (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Québec (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Sep 21, 2020 by Timia Sanchez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Birgitta Tittel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 20, 2022 by Nikolai Kurzenko (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 21, 2020 by Timia Sanchez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2019 by that’s someguy (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17976-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Arctous alpina (L.) Nied.)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2882527)

Specifications

Growth