Chilean firebush
Embothrium coccineum

Family: Proteaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 1.2 m high. The flowers are grouped in clusters. The flowers are red. They have 4 petals. The fruit is a dry follicle. It has 10 seeds.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In Chile it grows from 400-1,500 m above sea level. It grows in humid areas with regular rainfall. It grows in full sun. It can grow in some shade. It grows in hardiness zone 7. It can tolerate frost and snow. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

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

How it is used for food

The seeds are cooked and eaten.

Edible parts

Seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ciruelillo, Notro andino

Synonyms

Catas parviflora Juss. ex Lam.; Embothrium gilliesii Meisn.; and others