Ulmo
Eucryphia cordifolia
Family: Eucryphiaceae
What it is like
Eucryphia cordifolia is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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 and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 20
Where it is found
Cool rainforests at low altitudes in Arauco and Chiloe provinces, especially in the hills of La Costa.
S. America - C. Chile.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The bark is a source of tannin. Wood - strong, hard, very close grained. Used for furniture, flooring, oars etc. Very good quality, though it is not as good as Fitzroya spp. It makes a very good fuel and is a source of charcoal.
Charcoal: Used for fuel, drawing, deodorant, filter, fertilizer etc.
Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.
Tannin: An astringent substance obtaied from plants, it is used medicinally, as a dye and mordant, stabilizer in pesticide etc.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
Succeeds in any well-drained open loamy soil. It is quite tolerant of chalky soils but prefers an acid humus-rich soil. Prefers to have its roots in the shade but its canopy in the sun. This species only really thrives in cool moist maritime climates, tolerating temperatures down to -10°c. It succeeds outdoors in Britain in Sussex and south and west from there. Plants rarely exceed 10 metres in height in cultivation in Britain. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. A good bee plant.
Propagating it: Seed - sow February in a greenhouse. The seed should be stored cool and dry over the winter. Germination is usually good. 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, 6 - 8cm with a heel, June/July in individual pots in a frame. Roots in 5 - 6 weeks. A variable percentage succeed. Layering in late summer. Takes 16 months. High percentage.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist