Winter's Bark
Drimys winteri
Family: Winteraceae
What it is like
Drimys winteri is an evergreen Shrub growing to 7.5 m (24ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from January to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Height (m): 7.5
Where it is found
The dominant tree in moister lowland sites to Tierra Del Fuego. Boggy sites by streams etc in rich soils.
Southern S. America - Chile, Argentina.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
Argentina, Australia, Belize, Brazil, Central America, Chile, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico*, Nicaragua, North America, Panama, South America, Tasmania,
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
The aromatic pungent bark is powdered and used as a pepper substitute in Brazil, Chile and Argentina. It is rich in vitamin C.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The bark is a pungent bitter tonic herb that relieves indigestion. It is antiscorbutic, aromatic, febrifuge, skin, stimulant and stomachic. An infusion of the bark is used in the treatment of indigestion, colic, dandruff and scurvy. It is also used as a parasiticide. The bark is harvested in the autumn and winter and is dried for later use.
Antidandruff: Treats dandruff.
Antiscorbutic: A plant rich in vitamin C that is used to counteract scurvy.
Aromatic: Having an agreeable odour and stimulant qualities.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Parasiticide: Treats external parasites such as ringworm This should perhaps be joined with Parasiticide in
Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.
Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Vitamin C: Plants good for their vitamin C content
Other
Rating: 3
The powerfully aromatic bark contains resinous matter and 0.64% of aromatic essential oil. Wood - not durable, heavy (it sinks in water) - interior of houses, boxes etc. It burns badly with a smell.
Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.
Parasiticide: Kills external body parasites such as hair lice.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Requires a light lime-free soil in semi-shade. Tolerates chalk in the soil. Requires a deep moist soil. Dislikes dry conditions. Prefers a warm sandy loam with some shelter. Fairly wind resistant. Another report says that the plant resents severe wind-chill. Succeeds against a wall at Kew and it thrives in an open position in S.W. England. Tolerates temperatures down to about -10°c. This species is less hardy than D. lanceolata but it usually recovers from damage. Another report says that it is hardier than D. lanceolata. A very ornamental plant. The sub-species D. winteri andina. Reiche. is a slow growing dwarf form seldom exceeding 1 metre in height. It usually commences flowering when about 30cm tall. A polymorphic species. The flowers have a delicate fragrance of jasmine, whilst the bark has a powerful aromatic smell. This plant was a symbol of peace to the indigenous Indian tribes of S. America in much the same way as an olive branch was used in Greece. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow on the plants for at least their first winter in a cold frame. Plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Layering in March/April. Takes 12 months. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10 - 15 cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Approximately 60% take. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth with a heel of older wood, November in a cold frame.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
The sap of this plant can cause serious inflammation if it comes into contact with the eyes.
Its other names
Local names
Chachaca, Palo de mambo,
Synonyms
D. aromatica. Murray. non (R.Br.)Muell. Wintera aromatica. Murray. non (R.Br.)Muell.