barrens
/ˈbɛrənz/
Definition
Expansive areas of land, often characterized by sandy or acidic soil, that are naturally unproductive for many types of vegetation but ideal for growing lowbush wild blueberries.
Etymology
The word stems from the Middle English 'barren,' meaning unproductive or desolate, which comes from the Old French 'brehaing.' It evolved to function as a noun describing tracts of land that, while infertile for general farming, are perfectly suited for certain specialized plant species.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the specific geographic regions in Maine where the vast majority of U.S. wild blueberries are commercially cultivated. These landscapes are unique ecosystems where blueberry production holds significant cultural and economic value.
What one Mass. blueberry bush tells scientists about climate change
Read the full article ↗WBUR