Luma, Chilean guava
Amomyrtus luma

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree growing to 7.5 m high. Flowers have a sweet smell. The fruit is black to purplish-black when ripe. It is 1-1.5 cm wide. There are usually 3 seeds.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows naturally between latitudes 36 and 46° 30' south in Chile. It requires a moderately fertile well drained soil in a sunny position. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 800 m above sea level. Mt Lofty Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Britain, Europe, Chile, South America

How it is used for food

The fruit is eaten raw or cooked. It is also used for drinks.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed, cuttings or layering.

Its other names

Local names

Cauchao, Chauchau, Chilean myrtle, Luma blanca, Luma colorada, Palo madrona, Reloncavi, Temo

Synonyms

Eugenia darwinii Hook.f.; Myrcia lechleriana Miq.; Myrtus darwinii (Hook.f.) Barnéoud; Myrtus lechleriana (Miq.) Sealy; Myrtus luma Molina; Myrtus multiflora Juss.; Myrtus multiflora Juss. ex J. St.-Hil.; Myrtus reloncavi Barnéoud ex F.Phil.; Myrtus valdiviana Phil.; Pseudocaryophyllus darwinii (Hook.f.) Burret; Pseudocaryophyllus multiflorus (Juss. ex J.St.-Hil.) Burret;