Arrayan
Luma apiculata

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

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.

Height (m): 6

Where it is found

Temperate forests.

S. America - Chile.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

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

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Fruit - raw or cooked. A sweet flavour. 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. The fruit is about 10mm in diameter.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

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

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Hedge: Hedge

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

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

Propagating it: 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. 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. Layering.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

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

Synonyms

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