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Cryptocarya alba - (Molina) Looser

Common Name Peumo, Chilean acorn
Family Lauraceae
USDA hardiness 9-11
Known Hazards None Known
Habitats Sclerophyllous forest to 1500 m asl.
Range Chile and Argentina. Northern California. Spain. Juan Fernández Is.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Half Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Cryptocarya alba Peumo, Chilean acorn


edibleplants.org
Cryptocarya alba Peumo, Chilean acorn
edibleplants.org

 

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Summary

Sometimes misspelt as Cryptocaria alba.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of cone
Cryptocarya alba is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
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 can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Homotypic Synonyms: Peumus alba Molina

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Fruit. The plant produces red berries that are edible. These berries are known as "peumos." This fruit has edible pink skin, a strong flavour and aroma when ripe, and a large seed like a nut. These features have led to its recent use in cooking [2-4] .

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.


Peumo leaves have been used in traditional medicine like infusion or ointment. Pink-colored berries, called peumos, have been collected and consumed by the Mapuche Amerindians, mainly as a cold infusion, since pre-Colombian times.

References   More on Medicinal Uses

The Bookshop: Edible Plant Books

Our Latest books on Perennial Plants For Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens in paperback or digital formats.

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Other Uses

Wood Properties: The wood of this plant is very hard and resistant to moisture. Bark Uses: The bark is used for tanning leather and for dyeing materials an orange color. Ornamental and Practical Value: The tree is valued both as an ornamental plant and for its fruit production. Shade tree. It has very scented leaves.

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Natural Habitat: The Sclerophyllous forest, which consists of vegetation adapted to prolonged periods of dryness and heat, is the natural habitat for this species. Altitude Range: This plant can thrive at altitudes up to 1500 meters (5000 feet) above sea level. Light Preferences: It prefers environments with full sun to partial shade. Drought Tolerance: It is drought-tolerant and suitable for xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation. Adaptability: Planted trees in northern California have thrived, and although rarely seen in Spain, they have also adapted perfectly to the conditions there. Moisture Tolerance: This species can survive in both wet and dry conditions. Flowers August to December, fruits January to April (Southern Hemisphere).

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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Plant Propagation

Seed; direct sow outdoors in fall Scarify seed before sowing. Seed Characteristics: The peumos contain large, heavy seeds that germinate easily.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Peumo, Chilean acorn

Native Range

Native to: Chile Central, Chile South.

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.

None Known

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Least Concern

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) Looser

Botanical References

Links / References

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

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Subject : Cryptocarya alba  
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