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(Luma apiculata)
Chilean Myrtle (Luma apiculata)
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John Brew
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
John Brew
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: John Brew | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: John Brew | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-01-26T09:10:34Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Luma apiculata, commonly known as Chilean Myrtle, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the temperate rainforests of the Southern Andes in Chile and Argentina. It thrives in areas with high humidity and is often found near streams and lakes. Chilean Myrtle can reach a height of 10 to 15 meters, and occasionally up to 20 meters. Its trunk is notable for its twisted and contorted appearance, with smooth, exfoliating bark that reveals a striking two-tone pattern of rich cinnamon and cream colors. The small, fragrant, oval leaves measure 2.0 to 2.5 cm in length and 1.5 cm in width. The plant is adorned with profuse white flowers that are highly aromatic, blooming in early to midsummer and adding to its ornamental value. Following the flowering season, it produces edible black or blue berries, each about 1.0 cm in diameter, which ripen in early autumn.
Chilean Myrtle is valued for its striking bark, fragrant flowers, and attractive berries. It is often used in gardens for ornamental purposes, including as a specimen plant or in borders. It is also suitable for urban environments due to its tolerance of pollution. This species requires full sun to part shade, low to medium water, and well-drained soils. While it is generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. Cultivation outside its native range should be done with care, as it has the potential to become invasive in suitable climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
Chilean Myrtle is valued for its striking bark, fragrant flowers, and attractive berries. It is often used in gardens for ornamental purposes, including as a specimen plant or in borders. It is also suitable for urban environments due to its tolerance of pollution. This species requires full sun to part shade, low to medium water, and well-drained soils. While it is generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. Cultivation outside its native range should be done with care, as it has the potential to become invasive in suitable climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 6-8 feet
- Width: 6-8 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Temperate rainforests of the Southern Andes near streams and lakes
Other Names
Common Names: Arrayan, Arrayán, Palo Colorado, Collimamol, Temu, Shortleaf Stopper
Scientific Names: , Luma apiculata, Eugenia apiculata, Myrceugenia apiculata, Myrceugenella apiculata, Eugenia gilliesii, Eugenia cuspidata, Eugenia modesta, Eugenia mucronata, Eugenia spectabilis
GBIF Accepted Name: Luma apiculata (DC.) Burret