Vaccinium arboreum, aka "Farkleberry" (and others) is the one that was used.
I should add that I have highbush blueberries that have never had any acidifying amendments and I KNOW the soil PH is at least 6 or so here. I personally feel that the big reason for that is that the plants are well colonized by mycorrhizal fungi specific for blueberries. There are a number of species that have been studied that can acidify soils quite effectively, but a good regular supply of organic matter seems to be needed. I think that's why the use of leaves is so beneficial - they feed the fungi and it keeps the soil at the right pH in the immediate area.
-Lon Rombough
Grapes, writing, consulting, my book, The Grape Grower, at http://www.bunchgrapes.com Winner of the Garden Writers Association "Best Talent in Writing" award for 2003.
On Oct 14, 2005, at 2:09 PM, Richard Moyer wrote:
Certain blueberry (Vaccinium) species are tolerant of heavy soils and higher pH. Do not remember who, but some NAFEXers and/or Southern Fruit Fellowhip folks are growing blueberries grafted onto these native rootstocks, avoiding soil amendment issues. Anyone remember who's doing this, where published before, and/or the native rootstock(s) used?