View photos of the edible and medicinal plant, Arctostaphylos pungens (Manzanita), profiled in Medicinal Plants of the American Southwest and the Wild Edible Series: Arizona, California: Vol 1, and New Mexico.

A passage from Medicinal Plants of the American Southwest:

In the presence of normal acidic urine (or Manzanita influenced urine), this bacterium finds attachment to cell walls difficult. Combining the use of Manzanita (or most other Heath family plants, such as Madrone or Cranberry) with diet changes that include more animal source proteins, along with limiting simple carbohydrates, often promptly resolves alkaline urinary tract infections.

A passage from Wild Edible Plants of Arizona:

Like the fruit of most (if not all) other Heath family plants, Manzanita is edible. Sweet (but mealy, semi–astringent, and seed–filled) the fruit has a distinct apple–like flavor (Manzanita is Spanish for ‘little apple’).

A passage from Wild Edible Plants of California (Vol 1):

Manzanita is found throughout most of California. In fact, the state is home to the largest number of species and is considered the genus’ epicenter. Look for this large shrub in scrub–chaparral zones of the interior and coastal mountain foothills.