FLORA OF ICELAND elements: Empetrum nigrum, Crowberry, Krækilyng

Empetrum nigrum; the crowberry is common all over Iceland. The characteristic traits are the needle-like fleshy leaves and the black berries. The latter are in late spring and early summer very sweet and delicious to taste and consume. The flowers are minute and therefore generally overlooked. It flowers in early spring (April, early May) and fruits start to develop quickly there-after.
It is a member of the Crowberry-heath family (Empetraceae). This family is closely related to the general heath family (Ericaceae). The Icelandic name of this species is Krækilyng.