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Summary
Physical Characteristics
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
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None known
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
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
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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 :
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
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