Common Name:

General Information

Temu cruckshanksii is an evergreen shrub or a tree that can grow up to 15 metres tall, perhaps even to 20 metres with time. When young the plant is a dense shrub, then slowly makes a thicker trunk up to 40cm in diameter as it develops into a rounded low tree. In areas near the limit of the plants hardiness it will often remain as a shrub[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials. It is often grown as an ornamental[].
Temu cruckshanksii is an infrequent tree in its native area, with a narrow altitudinal range and also associated with lowland water environments. Habitat decline should be monitored due to the fragility of these habitat types in the face of global environmental change. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2022)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - central and southern Chile

Habitat

Temperate swampy forests, coastal forests, humid and shady places and ravines; at elevations from 400 - 1,000 metres[].[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Height	0.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Temu cruckshanksii is a plant of subtropical and warm temperate climates. It does not withstand snow, but withstands occasional, non-prolonged frosts with temperatures falling down to approximately -5°c[].

The leaves are aromatic[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. The purple, globose fruit is around 8 - 10mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood is used for fuel. It has a high calorific value[].

Propagation

Seed -