Common Name:

General Information

Azara microphylla is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 8 metres tall[].
Often grown as an ornamental, where it is valued especially for its evergreen foliage and scented flowers, the plant also has a report that it is cultivated as a fruit crop in Chile.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - Chile and S. Argentina.

Habitat

Lakesides and along the edges of Nothofagus forests[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

This species is generally hardy in the open in milder regions of the temperate zone, tolerating temperatures down to about -15°c[], though young plants are less hardy[]. The new growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts[].
Prefers a position in sun or light shade in a deep humus rich soil[], but succeeds in ordinary garden soil[]. Succeeds in almost any soil so long as it is not very wet or very dry[]. Flowers better in a warm sheltered position[]. Plants are subject to windburn if they are not in a sheltered position[].
The plant is cultivated for its edible fruit in Chile[].
The flowers are sweetly fragrant and vanilla scented[, ].

Edible Uses

Fruit[]. No further details are given. The fruit is very small, about 3mm in diameter according to one report[] and about 5mm according to another[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant responds well to trimming and can be grown as a hedge.

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - can be sown in a greenhouse or cold frame at any time of the year, though late winter or as soon as the seed is ripe are probably the best times to sow[]. It usually germinates within 1 - 3 months at 15°c, though it can take 18 months[]. When large enough to handle, pot the seedlings up into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, and consider giving them some protection from the cold for their first winter or two outdoors.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 7 - 10cm with a heel, late autumn in a cold frame[]. Takes 12 months[].
Layering in spring. Takes 6 - 9 months[].