Aristotelia chilensis

Aristotelia chilensis, commonly known as the Chilean wineberry or maqui berry, is a small evergreen tree or shrub native to Chile and Argentina. It belongs to the Elaeocarpaceae family and can grow up to 4-5 meters in height. The plant features smooth bark and small, oval-shaped, dark green leaves. The fruit of Aristotelia chilensis is highly valued for its medicinal properties and has been used for centuries by indigenous people of South America. The berries are dark purple and grow in clusters on the tree, with each berry measuring around 4-6mm in diameter. Maqui berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They also contain vitamins C and E, calcium, iron, potassium, and other nutrients, making them an excellent source of nutrition. Aristotelia chilensis can be grown both as an ornamental plant and for commercial fruit production. Its berries are often used to make juice concentrates or powders that can be added to smoothies or other foods. Overall, Aristotelia chilensis is an important plant species due to its medicinal value and nutritional content, making it highly valued by many people around the world today.

Characteristics

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Life Cycle

Perennial

Genus

Aristotelia

Family

Elaeocarpaceae

Hardiness Zone

7-10

Mature Height

3.05 m to 4.88 m

Mature Spread

2.13 m to 3.05 m

Leaf Color

Green, Dark Green

Leaf Type

Deciduous

Flower Color

White

Flower Size

0.51 cm to 0.76 cm

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring

Planting Time

Spring, Summer, Autumn

Harvest Time

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Native Area

Chile

Tags (4)

Common Names (5)