Chilean hazel, Avellano, Chilean wildnut
Gevuina avellana

Family: Proteaceae

What it is like

An evergreen tree. It grows 12 m high. It has long branches and an open crown. The leaves are pale green and shiny. They are alternate and divided into leaflets along the stalk. The leaves are 45 cm long and with up to 30 leaflets. The bright red flowers are in clusters along stalks. These are 12 cm long. The fruit is red and fleshy. It is 1.5-2.5 cm across. It becomes black as it ripens. The kernel is edible.

There are 3 Gevuina species. It is 12.5% protein, 49.5% oil and 24.1 5 carbohydrate.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. It does best in a shaded woodland. It should only have limited artificial fertiliser. It grows naturally in cool, wet, oceanic areas. It does best in moist, well-drained soils. It needs a pH of 4.5-6.5. In Chile it grows from sea level to over 2,000 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 9-10. Mt Lofty Botanical Gardens. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Australia, Britain, Chile (country/location of origin), Europe, New Zealand, North America, South America, Tasmania, UK, USA

How it is used for food

The nuts are eaten raw. They can also be roasted. The nuts yield an oil. The roasted nuts can be used as a coffee substitute.

The nuts are roasted and sold in markets.

Edible parts

Nuts, seeds, fruit, oil

How it is grown

Trees can be grown from seed. They can also be grown from cuttings of green wood rooted under glass. A spacing of 2-3 m is suitable. Plants can be grown by layering.

Trees produce in 5-7 years. They can yield 3-5 kg per year.

Its other names

Local names

Avellano, Gevuin, Guevin, Guevein, Nefuen, Ngefu

Synonyms

Quadria avellana (Molina) Gaertn. f.; Quadria heterophylla Ruiz & Pav.; Check Bleasedalea;