Fragrant Wintergreen
(Gaultheria fragrantissima)
A small shrub with horizontal creeping stems and upright branches rising to about 15 cm, Wintergreen has persistent, oval, leathery, dark green leaves that are shiny on the top and pale red underneath. Its small, white or pink hanging flowers bloom at the top of the branches and produce a small scarlet fruit. .
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) provides the same secondary metabolite as the methyl salicylate in wintergreen. It is an active ingredient in our Product Name.
From India
In the wild, it prefers woods and clearings with acidic and well-drained soils and partial shade. Wintergreen is resistant to the rigours of winter, but it perishes on alkaline soils for lack of iron.