Chilean Laurel
Laurelia sempervirens

Family: Atherospermataceae

What it is like

Laurelia sempervirens is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 15 m (49ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower in April. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 15

Where it is found

Moist and wet soils in forests, deep gullies and creek beds.

S. America - Chile.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

The bark and leaves are used as a spice. The fruit and the seed are used.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 1

Nervine, skin. It is also used in the treatment of colds, paralysis, stomach problems and VD.

Nervine: Stimulates and calms the nerves.

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

VD: Used in the treatment of venereal disease

Other

Rating:

Wood - not durable, malodorous if cut across the grain. Used in construction. It burns well but gives little heat.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Succeeds in sun or semi-shade in any moderately fertile soil, including a limey soil, so long as it does not dry out in the growing season. Requires a warm position sheltered from cold winds. This species is not very hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c. It succeeds outdoors in the mildest areas of the country, growing well and flowering regularly in Cornwall. Another report says that plants have withstood temperatures down to -11°c. The foliage is very aromatic. Closely related to L. serrata. Another report says that L. serrata is a synonym for this species. Plants are often dioecious, male and female plants will need to be grown if fruit and seed is required.

Propagating it: Seed - sow February or March in a warm greenhouse. Germination rates are variable. 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, and consider giving them some protection from the cold for their first winter or two outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in individual pots in sandy soil in a frame. Keep them moist. Fair percentage. Layering in spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

L. aromatica. non Poir. L. serrata.