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In Bloom
Luma apiculata
Chilean Myrtle,
Orange-Bark Myrtle,
Soap-Bark Tree,
"Temu"
One of the botanical treasures from Chile and western Argentina is the myrtle tree, Luma apiculata. Luma is an old Marpuche Indian word indicating the orange color of the bark and eventually was used as the botanical name. There is a national park in Argentina on Lake Nahuel Huapi dedicated to the preservation of an ancient grove of Luma apiculata. Some of the visitors embrace these trees as old friends! With great age, the trees develop their multi-trunks into fantastic shapes, and their luminous, cinnamon bark glows as it flakes into patches of orange and white.
Chilean Myrtle with its aromatic leaves and edible berries was much used in native medicine. Its inner bark foams like soap. The small leaves are pointed (apiculata) and shiny, and deliver a sweet spicy aroma when crushed. In our northern hemisphere, small waxy pearl-like blossoms appear in summer. In its native forests, Luma grows to 60 feet, but here it takes the form of a shrub or small tree. Equally at home in sun or shade, its form of growth is dependent on its environment. Luma apiculata is a fine tree for small gardens, and does splendidly in the Bay Area's mediterranean climate.
IN BLOOM CONTRIBUTORS:
Docents Joanne Taylor and Kathy McNeil
Profile Contributor:
David Kruse, Associate Curator
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