Pucurp (Pooh-KERP)
Pucurp is a perennial groundcover with dramatically-toothed, spear-shaped leaves that is common to shady woodland. It is valued for its berries, from which a popular jam is produced.
Basic Information
Anatomy
A bushy, woody, steadily-spreading groundcover with plentiful deciduous leaves. Main root is deep, but roots along runners are thin and short.
Biological Traits
Leaves are dark green, toothed, 1-1.5" spears on dark brown, tough stems rising 5" from either a central node or runner vines. Fruit are clusters of three bumpy, thin-skinned, blue-black teardrops with dark violet-red flesh.
Ecology and Habitats
Prefers shady woodland; able to tolerate varying degrees of moisture.
Additional Information
Domestication
Domestication has proven too finicky for it to be a priority, given that the plant is easy to come by in the wild.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Although the berries can be eaten fresh, they are somewhat bitter even when ripe; it is more common to take them and make a jam using grinidar cane syrup. It can also be made less sweet and used in a more concentrated form to accent other flavors. Since the fruit has an incredibly limited shelf life once picked, the jam or drying is the most suitable mode of export.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Shady woodland throughout Icalar; especially common in Unenshuut.
Lifespan
2-3 Years
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Average Height
6"
Average Length
Runners: ~4ft
Geographic Distribution
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