Cavendishia grandifolia

Common Name | Neotropical Blueberry

Family Name | Ericaceae

Native to | Ecuador

Cavendishia grandifolia is native to the forests of Ecuador but is now endangered according to the IUCN Red List, primarily due to habitat loss. Cavendishia grandifolia, or the neotropical blueberry, belongs to the same family (Ericaceae) that includes rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, and edible crops like cranberries and blueberries.

The Cavendishia grandifolia berry has significantly more antioxidants than blueberries, but has a very bland taste. The Conservatory’s plant is a sprawling epiphytic shrub, with dozens of waxy pink, white, and green flowers dangling from long inflorescences. Pink bracts add another pop of color to attract hummingbirds to pollinate.