Common Name: Arrayan

General Information

Luma apiculata is an evergreen shrub that can grow around 3 - 6 metres tall, though with time it can develop into a tree up to 18 metres tall with a trunk 30cm or more in diameter[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials. It is often grown as an ornamental in gardens.
Luma apiculata has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major threats and no significant future threats have been identified.The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - central and southern Chile, southwest Argentina.

Habitat

Temperate forests[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Luma apiculata does not succeed outside the milder areas of Britain[] but when fully dormant it is hardy to -10°c in warm maritime gardens[, ]. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts.
Succeeds in any reasonably good soil[] but prefers a moderately fertile well-drained loam in a sunny position[, ]. Plants are fairly tolerant of maritime exposure but they dislike cold drying winds[, ] and flower best when growing in a sheltered position.
A very ornamental plant[].
This species grows well in Cornwall where it often self-sows[, , , ].
The leaves are very aromatic[]. The fragrant white flowers are borne in great profusion[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , ]. A sweet flavour[]. The flavour and texture can vary considerably from plant to plant, the best are juicy, succulent, sweet and aromatic with a delicious taste, though the fruit can be dry and almost tasteless. The fruit is usually borne abundantly in Cornwall[]. The fruit is about 10mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

The leaves are used to treat diarrhoea, dysentery, ingestion[]

Agroforestry Uses:

Succeeds as a hedge in mild maritime areas if it is not in too exposed a position[]. It is very tolerant of clipping.

Other Uses

The tree yields a dense timber resembling that of the common box (Buxus sempervirens)[]

Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in late winter in a greenhouse. 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, 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, 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.