Common Name: Lenga

General Information

Nothofagus pumilio is a deciduous tree usually growing up to 20 metres tall at maturity, but sometimes taller[]. The bole is straight and cylindrical[]. At high elevations, and in exposed places, it often becomes a small, dense, thicket-forming shrub[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for commercial use of its timber and also for local use as a food and source of materials. It is too early to judge whether Nothofagus pumilio will prove superior to Nothofagus antarctica as an ornamental tree, but it is certainly handsomer in foliage and grows faster[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

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

Habitat

Dominant or co-dominant in deciduous forest on better drained sites and well developed soils; at elevations from sea level to 1,800 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	40.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Nothofagus pumilio is native to central and southern Chile, where it experiences frost and snow. It is likely to be able to tolerate temperatures down to around -10 to -15°c for short periods when fully dormant[]. Plants growing in a maritime climate at Crarae in western Scotland (hardiness zone 7)) are very hardy but fairly slow growing[].
Prefers an open well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position[, ]. Succeeds on most soils but dislikes calcareous soils[]. Prefers a pH between 5 and 7, but dislikes acid peats[]. Prefers cool wet summers in temperate maritime zones[].
Natural regeneration is abundant[].
This species is closely related to Nothofagus antarctica[].
Species in this genus often have poor wind resistance in cultivation, probably because they grow so fast[].
Trees up to 4 metres tall can be successfully established, though the optimum size for transplanting is about 30 - 80cm. The roots are very sensitive to desiccation and extreme care should be taken when transplanting them[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

The sap and scrapings are eaten in spring[]. The term scrapings probably refers to the inner bark. Inner bark is often dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickener in soups etc or added to cereals when making bread.

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Used for making torches[]. This is probably a reference to the bark, since this is the part of Nothofagus betuloides that is used[]..

The heartwood is yellowish-pink, darkening with age; it is not clearly demarcated from the whitish-pink sapwood. The texture is fine and even; the grain straight; growth rings are distinct; slightly lustrous; there is little figure on longitudinal surfaces. The wood seasons fairly well. It saws well and works easily with most tools; finishes to a good surface and polishes satisfactorily; it has good nail-holding power; gluing properties are satisfactory; it is regarded as moderately good for steam bending. The wood is often used in the round. A good substitute for the European walnut, (Juglans regia), especially for plywood production[].
The wood is not suitable for firewood[].

Propagation

The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cool greenhouse or cold frame. Spring-sown seed requires 2 - 3 months stratification at 1 - 5°c[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in the cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed must not be allowed to dry out according to one report[] whilst another says that the seed can be stored dry at 2°c for long periods[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 6 - 10cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame[].
Layering.