Drimys winteri - J.R.Forst.&G.Forst.

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Summary

Physical Characteristics

 
Drimys winteri is an evergreen Shrub growing to 7.5 m (24ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a medium rate.
It is hardy to zone (UK) 8. It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from Jan to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Synonyms

D. aromatica. Murray. non (R.Br.)Muell. Wintera aromatica. Murray. non (R.Br.)Muell.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Condiment.

The aromatic pungent bark is powdered and used as a pepper substitute in Brazil, Chile and Argentina[2, 46, 69, 183]. It is rich in vitamin C[22].

Medicinal Uses

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Antidandruff;  Antiscorbutic;  Aromatic;  Febrifuge;  Parasiticide;  Skin;  Stimulant;  Stomachic.


The bark is a pungent bitter tonic herb that relieves indigestion[238]. It is antiscorbutic, aromatic, febrifuge, skin, stimulant and stomachic. An infusion of the bark is used in the treatment of indigestion, colic, dandruff and scurvy[4, 46, 69, 139, 238]. It is also used as a parasiticide[4, 46, 69, 139]. The bark is harvested in the autumn and winter and is dried for later use[238].

Other Uses

Essential;  Parasiticide;  Wood.

The powerfully aromatic bark contains resinous matter and 0.64% of aromatic essential oil[245]. Wood - not durable, heavy (it sinks in water) - interior of houses, boxes etc. It burns badly with a smell[46, 61, 69, 139].

Cultivation details

Requires a light lime-free soil in semi-shade[202]. Tolerates chalk in the soil[11]. Requires a deep moist soil[11]. Dislikes dry conditions[139]. Prefers a warm sandy loam with some shelter[1]. Fairly wind resistant[49, 166]. Another report says that the plant resents severe wind-chill[202]. Succeeds against a wall at Kew[K] and it thrives in an open position in S.W. England[11, 49, 59]. Tolerates temperatures down to about -10°c[184]. This species is less hardy than D. lanceolata but it usually recovers from damage[120]. Another report says that it is hardier than D. lanceolata[200]. A very ornamental plant[11]. The sub-species D. winteri andina. Reiche. is a slow growing dwarf form seldom exceeding 1 metre in height[182]. It usually commences flowering when about 30cm tall[238]. A polymorphic species[139]. The flowers have a delicate fragrance of jasmine, whilst the bark has a powerful aromatic smell[245]. This plant was a symbol of peace to the indigenous Indian tribes of S. America in much the same way as an olive branch was used in Greece[139]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse[200]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow on the plants for at least their first winter in a cold frame. Plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Layering in March/April. Takes 12 months[78]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10 - 15 cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Approximately 60% take[78]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth with a heel of older wood, November in a cold frame[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Chachaca, Palo de mambo,

Found In

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

Argentina, Australia, Belize, Brazil, Central America, Chile, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico*, Nicaragua, North America, Panama, South America, Tasmania,

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 :

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Author

J.R.Forst.&G.Forst.

Botanical References

1169200

Links / References

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