Taique
Desfontainia spinosa
Family: Loganiaceae
What it is like
Desfontainia spinosa is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 1.5 m (5ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 2.5
Where it is found
Cool mountain cloud forests in the north of its range, descending to sea level in the south.
S. America - Growing in the Andes from Colombia to southern Chile.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The leaves are narcotic and have been used medicinally in Chile. More research needs to be carried out into the medicinal virtues of this plant. The sub-species D. spinosa hookeri is usually employed.
Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
Narcotic: Relieves pain, induces drowsiness and gives a sense of well-being.
Other
Rating:
Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Requires a humus-rich moisture-retentive acid soil in a sheltered position in partial shade. Grows well in sandy soils as long as there is plenty of humus present. Intolerant of alkaline soils and of water-logging. Dislikes drought. Plants like growing with their roots in the shade but their stems reaching up into the light. This species is not fully hardy in Britain, plants tolerate temperatures down to about -10°c when sheltered from cold drying winds. They grow best along the west coast of the country, especially in Scotland and N. Ireland. The sub-species D. spinosa hookeri.(Dun.)Reiche. is usually employed for its medicinal virtues. There is at least one named variety selected for its ornamental value. The flowers are softly honey-scented. A slow-growing plant. Any pruning to retain shape is best done in the spring.
Propagating it: Seed - surface sow in spring in a greenhouse. Do not allow the compost to become dry. Grow on the seedlings in a bright filtered light. 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, July/August in a frame. Requires humid conditions and bottom heat at 16°c. Overwinter in a cold frame and grow on for another year before planting out. Division of suckers in the dormant season.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist