Luma, Chilean guava,
Amomyrtus luma

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

Amomyrtus luma is an evergreen Shrub growing to 7.5 m (24ft 7in). It is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May. 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 dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 7.5

Where it is found

Found between latitudes 36 and 46° 30' south.

S. America - Chile.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Chile, South America,

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Fruit - raw or cooked. About the size of a small blackcurrant, they are very aromatic and also contain a lot of seeds.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 0

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Succeeds in any reasonably good soil including dry ones. Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained loam in a sunny position. Dislikes cold drying winds but withstands considerable maritime exposure. This species is not very hardy in most of Britain but it succeeds outdoors in mild maritime areas. There are a number of plants at Trewithen Gardens in Cornwall, these were fruiting heavily in late summer 1994. The flowers, which are sweetly scented, are susceptible to damage by late spring frosts. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow it in late winter in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle 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 of the current seasons growth, 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 Secondary; Sunny Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Cauchao, Chauchau, Chilean myrtle, Palo madrona, Temo,

Synonyms

Amomyrtus luma. (Mol.)D.Legrand.&Kausel. Myrica lechleriana.