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Luma apiculata - (DC.)Burret.

Common Name Arrayan
Family Myrtaceae
USDA hardiness 8-11
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Temperate forests[11].
Range S. America - Chile.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Half Hardy Moist Soil Full sun
Luma apiculata Arrayan


Luma apiculata Arrayan
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Alfonso%22

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Luma apiculata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Eugenia apiculata. Myrceugenella apiculata. Myrceugenia apiculata. Myrtus apiculata. Mol. Myrtus lum

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked[3, 105, 177]. A sweet flavour[1]. 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[K]. The fruit is about 10mm in diameter[200].

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

Hedge  Hedge

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

Special Uses

Hedge  Hedge  Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in any reasonably good soil[1] but prefers a moderately fertile well-drained loam in a sunny position[11, 200]. A very ornamental plant[1], it does not succeed outside the milder areas of Britain[3] but when fully dormant it is hardy to -10°c in warm maritime gardens[184, 200]. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. This species grows well in Cornwall where it often self-sows[11, 49, 59, 166]. Plants are fairly tolerant of maritime exposure but they dislike cold drying winds[49, 166] and flower best when growing in a sheltered position. The leaves are very aromatic[188]. The fragrant white flowers are borne in great profusion[245].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant 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, July/August in a frame. Pot up in the autumn and overwinter in a cold frame. Plant out in late spring. High percentage[78]. Cuttings of mature wood, 7 - 12cm with a heel, November in a shaded and frost free frame. Plant out in late spring or early autumn. High percentage[78]. Layering.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Arrallan, Arrayan, Palo colorado, Palo rojo, Temu,

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

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

Andes, Argentina, Australia, Britain, Chile*, Europe, South America, Sweden, 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 :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Amomyrtus lumaLuma, Chilean guava,Shrub7.5 0-0  LMHNDM300
Dianthus plumariusPink, Feathered pink, Cottage PinkPerennial0.4 4-9  LMHNDM10 

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

(DC.)Burret.

Botanical References

11200

Links / References

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

Readers comment

Colin Cochrane   Sat Jul 29 2006

A well presented, very interesting page that I have found most useful, as I have recently acquired a specimen of this tree from Abbotsbury. A number of mature Luma apiculata can be seen in Trewithen garden: I saw them in full bloom on 18th. May 2006! I can see that there is much more to 'pfaf'and I'm sure shall return to the website again and again. website

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