Lenga
Nothofagus pumilio

Family: Fagaceae

What it is like

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.

Height (m): 40

Where it is found

Dominant or co-dominant in deciduous forest on better drained sites and well developed soils from sea level to 1800 metres.

Southern S. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The sap and scrapings are eaten in spring. 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.

Inner bark: the bark that is found just beneath the tough outer bark of trees and shrubs.

Sap: usually of trees and usually but not always used as a drink.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

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

Lighting: Plants that can be used as torches etc. See also Oil and Wax.

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

How it is grown

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

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

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth: Medium

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Fagus pumilio.