Chilean bellflower, Copihue
Lapageria rosea

Family: Philesiaceae

What it is like

An evergreen climber. It grows 3.7-5 m long. The stems are wiry and twining. The leaves are leathery and dark green. They are pointed. The flowers are narrow and bell-shaped. They can be 8 cm long. The flower is red but can be pink or white. They hang singly or in groups of 2 or 3. The fruit are sweet and egg sized. They can be 6-8 cm long. They are red.

This is the national flower of Chile. There is only one Lapageria species.

Where it is found

A temperate plant. It is a hardy plant. It can stand light frosts. It needs a free draining soil and a neutral pH. It suits shady moist places. It suits hardiness zones 8-9. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Australia, Britain, Chile (country/location of origin), Europe, Peru, South America, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The sweet fruit are eaten. The pulp is also processed. It can be used for desserts or juice.

It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. These do not always breed true. Fresh seed should be sown. A temperature of 13-18°C is suitable. Seeds germinate better is soaked in warm water for 24 hours. Seeds can take 1-3 months to germinate. Seedlings grow slowly. Cuttings do not root easily and are slow to establish. Layering or suckers can be used. Plants should be spaced 45-60 cm apart. They can be allowed to grow up fences.

Plants produce fruit in one year from layered plants. Seedlings can take 7 years to flower and fruit.

Its other names

Local names

Copihue, Copiu, Kopiu

Synonyms

Lapageria alba Decne; Lapageria hookeri Bridges ex Hook.; Lapageria rosea var. albiflora Hook.; Lapageria rosea var. rubra Schelle;