Common Name:

General Information

Amomyrtus luma is an evergreen shrub or a tree that can grow up to 20 metres tall, though usually smaller in cultivation[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of wood. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - central and southern Chile to southwestern Argentina.

Habitat

A plant of wet habitatats, usually in forests, at elevations up to 2,000 metres[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	7.50 m
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Amomyrtus luma is not very winter hardy, tolerating winter frosts with temperatures that sometimes fall as low as -5°c. In its native range in Chile it experiences rain all year round and can be found at elevations from near sea level to around 2,000 metres[]. It grows well in the mild maritime climate of southwest England and southern Ireland, where it fruits heavily in late summer and often self-sows freely[, ].
Succeeds in any reasonably good soil[] including dry ones. Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained loam in a sunny position[]. Dislikes cold drying winds but withstands considerable maritime exposure[].
The leaves are strongly aromatic[].
The flowers, which are sweetly scented[], are susceptible to damage by late spring frosts[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. About the size of a small blackcurrant, they are very aromatic and also contain a lot of seeds[]. They are fermented to make a drink known as 'chicha'[]. The black sub-globose fruits are 5 - 10mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

The leaves are astringent and stimulant[]. The leaves are used to decrease blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and to treat liver diseases[].

Other Uses

The wood is very hard. It is used for making tool handles, farm equipment etc, and for lumber[].

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[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame. Pot up in the autumn and overwinter in a cold frame. Plant out in late spring. High percentage[].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, 7 - 12cm with a heel, late autumn in a shaded and frost free frame. Plant out in late spring or early autumn. High percentage[].
Layering.