Maqui Berry, also known as the Maqui Chilean Wineberry, is native to the Patagonia region of southern Chile and Argentina and is prized for its delicious, juicy berries that have unusually high amounts of anthocyanin (specifically delphinidins), – higher than almost any fruit, 7 times that of acai. Maqui fruit tastes somewhat similar to blackberries or elderberries. It has long been harvested by the Mapuche people of Chile and we are now experimenting with growing it in our very similar climate here in the Northwest. While Maqui Berry is usually dioecious, we have found a hermaphrodite, that is self-fruitful, producing fruit on a single plant (correction, as with so many unique clones in our corner of the globe, we have since traced the origin of this clone back to Sean Hogan and Cistus Nursery. Thanks, Sean!). Trees grow 12-15 feet in height and have elegant evergreen foliage. We’d love to see this one planted more widely throughout the Northwest. Hardy to USDA zone 7.
Latin Name: Aristotelia chilensis
Site and Soil: Maqui Chilean Wineberry likes 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Pollination Requirements: This clone is self-fertile.
Hardiness: Maqui is cold hardy to at least 10 F. or below.
Bearing Age: 1-2 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: Maqui trees can reach 15 ft. in height.
Bloom Time: late spring
Ripening Time: Late summer or early fall
Yield: 20+ lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Maqui is generally free of insect and disease problems.
USDA Zone: 7-10