Common Name: Ulmo

General Information

Eucryphia cordifolia is a evergreen tree with a dense, broad crown; it can grow up to 20 metres tall, though is often smaller and more shrub-like in cultivation. The bole can be up to 60cm in diameter[, ].
The tree is commonly harvested from the wild for its high quality wood and tannin, which are used locally and also commercially. The plant is often grown as an ornamental in gardens, valued especially for its abundant bunches of beautiful, white, fragrant flowers[].
Eucryphia cordifolia is a highly exploited species that is under some threat because of its use as the major source of fuelwood and charcoal for southern Chile. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - C. Chile.

Habitat

Cool rainforests at low altitudes[] in Arauco and Chiloe provinces, especially in the hills of La Costa[]. Sub-tropical and temperate rain forests, from the lowlands to the mountains and the edge of glaciers[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Eucryphia cordifolia only really thrives in cool moist maritime climates, where it can tolerate occasional temperatures down to around -10°c[].
Succeeds in any well-drained open loamy soil[, ]. Unlike most members of the genus, this species is quite tolerant of chalky soils[] though it prefers an acid humus-rich soil[, ]. Prefers to have its roots in the shade but its canopy in the sun[, ].
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[].
A good bee plant[, , ].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The bark is a source of tannin[, ]. The bark contains around 35% of a good quality tannin[].

The heartwood is a reddish to grayish-brown, becoming darker with age; It is not sharply demarcated from the lighter coloured sapwood. The grain is usually straight and very close; texture fine and uniform; lustre rather high; there is no distinctive odour or taste. The wood is moderately strong, hard, very durable according to one report[], though another says that it requires treatment[]. It is rather difficult to season and is prone to severe surface and end checking. A very good bending timber, it also peels well and so can be used for veneer[]. A very good quality wood that works well and finishes very smoothly, it is used for extra-durable railway ties, heavy timbers, planks, oars, furniture, flooring, oars and any inside work[, , , ]. Very good quality, though it is not as good as Fitzroya spp[]. The root wood is used to make tobacco pipes[].
The wood makes a very good fuel, burning very hot, and is also of good quality for charcoal[, ].

Propagation

Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse. The seed should be stored cool and dry over the winter. Germination is usually good[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots 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, 6 - 8cm with a heel, early summer/July in individual pots in a frame. Roots in 5 - 6 weeks. A variable percentage succeed[].
Layering in late summer. Takes 16 months. High percentage[].