Winter's bark
Drimys winteri

Family: Winteraceae

What it is like

An evergreen tree. It grows 15 m tall. It is a narrow cone shape. The bark is grey-brown and has an aroma. The leaves are oblong and 20 cm long by 6 cm wide. They do not have teeth. They are glossy dark green above and bluish-green underneath. They are leathery and have an aroma when crushed. The flowers are 4 cm across and white. They have many slender petals. The flowers are borne in large clusters. The fruit is a small green berry. It becomes purple-black as it ripens. They grow in clusters at the end of long stalks.

There are 4 Drimys species. Several have now been put in Tasmannia genus.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is native to Mexico and South America. It grows in the mountains. It needs cool soil and well-drained but moist conditions. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 2,500 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 8-9. Mt Lofty Botanical Gardens. Hobart Botanical Gardens. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Australia, Belize, Brazil, Britain, Central America, Chile, El Salvador, Europe, Faroe Islands, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico (country/location of origin), Nicaragua, North America, Panama, South America, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The bark has been used to provide Vitamin C. It is used as a seasoning. CAUTION: It should not be eaten in large amounts.

Edible parts

Bark, seeds - spice

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or by cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Canelo, Chachaca, Palo de mambo

Synonyms

Drimys aromatica Descourt.; Drimys polumorpha Spach ex Baill.; Drimys punctata Lam.; Drimys winterana Thell.; Michelia acris Ruiz & Pav. ex Lopez; Wintera granatensis Murray; Winterana aromatica Desc.;