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Amomyrtus luma - (Molina.)D.Legrand.&Kausel.

Common Name Luma, Chilean guava,
Family Myrtaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Found between latitudes 36 and 46° 30' south.
Range S. America - Chile.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Amomyrtus luma Luma, Chilean guava,


Amomyrtus luma Luma, Chilean guava,

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Amomyrtus luma is an evergreen Shrub growing to 7.5 m (24ft 7in).
It is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Amomyrtus luma. (Mol.)D.Legrand.&Kausel. Myrica lechleriana.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked[166]. About the size of a small blackcurrant, they are very aromatic and also contain a lot of seeds[K].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in any reasonably good soil[1] including dry ones. Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained loam in a sunny position[200]. Dislikes cold drying winds but withstands considerable maritime exposure[182]. This species is not very hardy in most of Britain but it succeeds outdoors in mild maritime areas[11, 166]. There are a number of plants at Trewithen Gardens in Cornwall, these were fruiting heavily in late summer 1994[K]. The flowers, which are sweetly scented[245], are susceptible to damage by late spring frosts[11]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow it in late winter in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts[K]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Pot up in the autumn and overwinter in a cold frame. Plant out in late spring. High percentage[78]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, 7 - 12cm with a heel, November in a shaded and frost free frame. Plant out in late spring or early autumn. High percentage[78]. Layering.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Cauchao, Chauchau, Chilean myrtle, Palo madrona, Temo,

Native Range

SOUTHERN AMERICA: Argentina (Chubut, Neuquén, Río Negro), Chile (c. & s.)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

(Molina.)D.Legrand.&Kausel.

Botanical References

111

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

[email protected]   Thu Feb 9 2006

You show this plant as a member of the family Myrtaceae. Presumably this is a misprint and the family should be Myricaceae?

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Subject : Amomyrtus luma  
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