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Nothofagus pumilio - (Poepp.&Endl.)Krasser.

Common Name Lenga
Family Fagaceae
USDA hardiness 6-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Dominant or co-dominant in deciduous forest on better drained sites and well developed soils from sea level to 1800 metres[69].
Range Southern S. America.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Full sun
Nothofagus pumilio Lenga


(c) Jorge Vallmitjana
Nothofagus pumilio Lenga

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of lolypop
Nothofagus pumilio is a deciduous Tree growing to 40 m (131ft 3in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Fagus pumilio.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Inner bark  Sap
Edible Uses:

The sap and scrapings are eaten in spring[69]. 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.

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Lighting  Wood

Used for making torches[69]. This is probably a reference to the bark, since this is the part used in N. betuloides. Wood - useful[11]. No further details are given.

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers an open well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position[1, 200]. Succeeds on most soils but dislikes calcareous soils[11]. Prefers a pH between 5 and 7, but dislikes acid peats[200]. Prefers cool wet summers in temperate maritime zones[200]. This species is closely related to N. Antarctica[11]. Trees have poor wind resistance in Britain, probably because they grow so fast[11]. Plants at Crarae in western Scotland are very hardy but fairly slow growing[191]. 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[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

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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[200]. 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[80] whilst another says that the seed can be stored dry at 2°c for long periods[200]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 6 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame[78]. Layering.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Nothofagus betuloides Tree20.0 6-9 FLMHNM002
Nothofagus cunninghamiiMyrtle BeechTree55.0 8-11 FLMHNM002
Nothofagus fuscaRed BeechTree35.0 8-11 FLMHNM003
Nothofagus menziesiiSilver BeechTree20.0 8-11 FLMHNM003
Nothofagus obliquaRoblé, Roble beechTree20.0 6-9 FLMHNM003
Nothofagus proceraRauliTree20.0 6-9 FLMHNM003
Nothofagus solanderiBlack BeechTree30.0 7-10 FLMHNM002
Nothofagus solanderi cliffortioidesMountain BeechTree30.0 7-10 FLMHNM002

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

(Poepp.&Endl.)Krasser.

Botanical References

1169200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

ak jinn   Thu Apr 15 19:29:28 2004

it grows from 37 degrees south in high mountain areas (4500 to 6000 feet) to 56 degrees south in argentina at sea level. it doesn't tolerate temperatures higher than 75 F, and it is extremely resistant to subzero weather in spring, summer, fall and winter. In its natural distribution it is hardy to - 30 celcius ( -22 F) and less. Beautiful red leaves in fall.

   Oct 13 2015 12:00AM

Grows well in the UK. In 100% perlite in a seed container, given Chempak No 8. fertilizer throughout the growing season. Grown from seed, no stratification neccesery.

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