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Common Name:

General Information

Chiliotrichum diffusum is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 1.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Southern S. America - Falkland Islands, Argentina, Chile.

Habitat

The dominant or sub-dominant species in shrub communities at the margins and in clearings of evergreen and deciduous forests, drier parts of bogs, rock crevices and streamsides[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in a sheltered position in any well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun[, ]. Tolerates dry soils[]. A good plant for maritime gardens[].
Succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of Britain but it is not very hardy in other parts of the country[, , ]. However, it is more cold tolerant than the closely related Olearia spp and can withstand temperatures down to about -5°c or lower when in a suitable position[, ]. Another report says that it will tolerate temperatures down to about -12°c[].
A very variable species, the leaves can range from needle-like to fairly broad[]. There are several named forms[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Ophthalmic[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but would suggest surface sowing the seed in early spring in a sunny position in a greenhouse. Do not allow the compost to dry out. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a 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, mid summer in a frame.