Retrophyllum rospigliosii, commonly known as Diablo Fuerte, is an evergreen conifer native to montane rainforests and cloud forests in the Andes of South America, particularly in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. This species thrives at elevations between 600 and 3,400 meters, where it is often a dominant tree. It can grow up to 45 meters in height and 1.8 meters in trunk diameter, with an erect and straight trunk. As the tree matures, the crown typically becomes rounded or oval, providing a dense canopy of foliage. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and arranged in a spiral pattern, contributing to the tree’s ornamental value.

Diablo Fuerte is valued for its timber and is also used in reforestation projects due to its fast growth rate. In cultivation, it is suitable for large gardens and public landscapes, where it can serve as a focal point or for creating privacy screens. It adapts well to full sun or part shade and requires medium to low amounts of water, making it relatively drought-tolerant once established. The species prefers soils with medium to fast drainage. While it is not commonly found in cultivation outside its native range, it has potential as an ornamental tree in similar climates.CC BY-SA 4.0