Persea lingue, commonly known as Lingue, is an evergreen tree native to the temperate rainforests of southern Chile and southwestern Argentina. It is typically found in coastal and Andean mountain forests, thriving from sea level up to 6,600 feet (2,000 meters). This species can grow up to 82 feet (25 meters) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 3.3 feet (1 meter). The Lingue tree has a straight trunk with a grayish bark and a dense, rounded crown. Its leaves are dark green, glossy, and leathery, adding to its ornamental value. The small, inconspicuous flowers are followed by purple-black berries.

Lingue is valued for its hard, durable wood and its historical use in leather tanning, due to the high tannin content of its bark. In cultivation, it is used for reforestation projects and as an ornamental tree in large gardens and parks. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. While it is not commonly found in cultivation outside its native range, it can be a unique addition to a collection of South American flora. Care should be taken to avoid overharvesting, as this has historically led to its decline.CC BY-SA 4.0