Agapetes serpens, Vaccinium serpens

Produces a large woody tuber at the base from which long arching branches delicately lined with thin leaves. Pendulous pale red tubular flowers hang along the stems in winter. The flowers have an interesting chevron pattern, and almost resemble little Chinese lanterns. After flowering, attractive berries appear that look like lavender pearls.

Agapetes comes from the cool foothills of the Himalayas, where temperatures range from about 32 to 80 degrees F, with cool nights. Can grow without soil as a epiphyte.

Similar plants:

• Vaccinium corymbosum (Tropical Blueberry, Lowbush Blueberry)
• Vaccinium macrocarpon, Oxycoccus macrocarpus (Large Cranberry, American Cranberry, Bearberry)
• Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry)
• Vaccinium vitis-idaea (Lingonberry, Cowberry)