Elaeocarpaceae
Maqui Berry: Edible Plant
Aristotelia chilensis
Requires moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. It prefers full sun or partial shade and temperate climates with constant environmental humidity.
Every 5 days
Bright indirect
-5° - 30°C
60% - 90%
Categories
What is Maqui Berry?
Maqui Berry (Aristotelia chilensis) is a medium-care plant from the Elaeocarpaceae family. Aristotelia chilensis, commonly known as Maqui, is an evergreen tree native to the temperate rainforests of Chile and Argentina. It is famous for its small, dark purple berries, considered a superfood due to their extremely high concentration of antioxidants. Its leaves are leathery with serrated ed...
Maqui Berry grows up to 5.0m, spread of 300cm, watering every 5 days, -5°C – 30°C, 60–90% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Maqui Berry is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Maqui Berry?
TLDR: Maqui Berry needs Bright indirect, watering every 5 days, and temperatures between -5-30°C with 60-90% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Maqui Berry?
Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, especially during hot summers, but avoid permanent waterlogging.
How Much Light Does Maqui Berry Need?
Although it tolerates partial shade, direct sun exposure promotes higher fruit production and more intense foliage color.
What Is the Best Soil for Maqui Berry?
Prefers slightly acidic soils. Avoid excessively calcareous soils that can cause chlorosis.
What Pot Should You Use for Maqui Berry?
Planting directly in the ground is recommended, but if a pot is used, it must be large (minimum 50L) and have excellent drainage.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
What Is Maqui Berry and Where Does It Come From?
Aristotelia chilensis, commonly known as Maqui, is an evergreen tree native to the temperate rainforests of Chile and Argentina. It is famous for its small, dark purple berries, considered a superfood due to their extremely high concentration of antioxidants. Its leaves are leathery with serrated edges and reddish petioles, which gives it high ornamental value.
How to Propagate Maqui Berry?
Seed Propagation
- The use of gibberellic acid can improve germination rates.
- 1 Collection and Cleaning
Extract seeds from ripe fruits and remove all pulp.
- 2 Stratification
Subject the seeds to a cold stratification process (4°C/40°F) for 60 days to break dormancy.
- 3 Sowing
Sow in a light substrate and maintain constant moisture in a protected area.
Materials needed:
Semi-hardwood Cuttings
- Maintain bottom heat to speed up the process.
- 1 Cutting the Stem
Cut 10-15 cm sections from the current year's branches that are beginning to lignify.
- 2 Preparation
Remove lower leaves and apply rooting hormones to the base.
- 3 Planting
Insert into a mixture of peat and perlite under high humidity conditions.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Maqui Berry Grow?
TLDR: Maqui Berry can reach up to 5.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
5.0m
Spread
3.0m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Potent antioxidant properties
- Natural anti-inflammatory
- Treatment of throat conditions
- Blood sugar regulation
Culinary Uses
- Fresh berry consumption
- Making jams and jellies
- Preparation of juices and chicha
- Natural food coloring
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
For the Mapuche people, the Maqui is a sacred plant that symbolizes peace and benevolent intentions.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
