Peruvian nutmeg, Chilean laurel
Laurelia sempervirens

Family: Monimiaceae

What it is like

An evergreen shrub. It can grow to 15 m tall. The branches droop. The leaves are bright green and leathery. They have teeth around the edge and produce an aroma when crushed. The flowers are very small.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows naturally in the mountains in central Chile. Tropical. It can grow in full sun of part shade. It needs to be sheltered from cold drying winds. The soils should be moderately fertile, moist and well-drained. Geelong Botanical Gardens. Mt Lofty Botanical Gardens. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

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

How it is used for food

The bark, leaves and fruit are used as a spice. They are a substitute for nutmeg.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Seeds, bark, leaves, spice, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chilean nutmeg, Tepa, Tihue

Synonyms

Atherosperma sempervirens (Ruiz & Pav.) Baill.; Laurelia serrata Bertero; Pavonia sempervirens Ruiz & Pav.; Theyga chilensis Molina; Thiga chilensis Molina;