Common Name: Chilean Bellflower

General Information

Lapageria rosea is an evergreen climbing plant, twining around nearby plants for support; it can grow up to 5 metres tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is commonly grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - central Chile.

Habitat

Shady woodlands[]. Uusually found near the coast because it likes a humid atmosphere, between latitude 34 - 41°south[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	5.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Lapageria rosea is a plant of the warm temperate to subtropical zone. It is not very cold-hardy, tolerating short periods when temperatures can fall to around -5°c[]. In areas at the edge of its tolerance the Chilean bellflower is best grown on a partially shady and sheltered wall[]. Plants on sunny walls tend to succumb in cold winters whilst those on shady walls are much more likely to survive[]. Plants can be cut back to the ground in cold winters but will often regrow in the spring[].
Thrives in a lime-free humus-rich soil[, , ]. Requires a cool shady position in a warm moist atmosphere[]. Succeeds in dry shade according to another report[]. Requires a deep open-textured soil in a warm position[, , ] with shade[, ]. Requires a well-drained soil[, , ]. Dislikes cold winds[].
A climbing plant that supports itself by twining around other plants and other supports[]. It does not really require pruning[].
A very ornamental plant[], it is the national flower of Chile[].
The fruits are only occasionally formed in Britain[].
When growing this plant from seed, it pays to be very selective and only grow on the strongest seedlings since a weak plant tends to remain weak[]. Slugs are very fond of the young plants and will soon destroy them if given an opportunity[]. Plants are also subject to attacks by aphis in the spring[].
Seedlings require a very free-draining soil and it is best to cover them in a plastic bag for a few days after transplanting[]. Plants are slow to establish, but are very long-lived[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , , , ]. A sweet white juicy pulp, the yellow fruits are the size of a hen's egg[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - it is best to sow 2 - 3 seeds per pot as soon as the seed is ripe, in a humus-rich sandy soil in a warm greenhouse[, , ]. It usually germinates within 6 weeks at 20°c[]. The flesh of the fruit might contain germination inhibitors and should be completely removed before the seed is sown[]. The stored seed will require stratification. Pre-soak for 3 days in warm water, changing the water 3 - 5 times a day, then stratify for 1 - 3 months at 4°c[]. Stored seed germinates within 1 - 3 months at 22°c[]. Thin the seedlings to the strongest plant in each pot and grow on for at least the first winter in a greenhouse before planting out in early summer. Give the plants some protection for their first winter outdoors.
Layering in spring before new growth begins[] or in autumn[]. It is best done in individual pots because the roots are very brittle. It takes about 12 months[].
Leaf bud cuttings[].