Amomyrtus luma

Amomyrtus luma, known as luma, is a species of tree in the family Myrtaceae. It is native to Chile and Argentina. It grows from Colchagua to Aysen (34 to 45°S). This species occurs in rainforests, near streams, and in other moist sites.

Myrtus luma redirects here, for Myrtus luma Schauer nom. illeg., see Luma chequen
Not to be confused with Luma (plant).

Luma
Luma with fruits
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Amomyrtus
Species:
A. luma
Binomial name
Amomyrtus luma
(Molina) D.Legrand & Kausel
Synonyms[1]

Description

Luma is an evergreen tree that measures up to 25 m (80 ft) tall and up to 50 cm (25 in) in diameter, with smooth bark, decorticant, reddish to brown. The leaves are opposite, in an oval to oblong shape, with an acute apex that ends in a pointed end up to 1 mm long. The petioles are hairy, 2–4 mm long. New shoots are hairy, which distinguishes it from Amomyrtus meli, a species that it strongly resembles. The flowers are hermaphroditic, with 5 fused sepals and 5 free white petals about 4 mm long. The stamens are numerous (30-45) and 4–5 mm long. The fruit is a black to purplish-black berry when mature, 1-1.5 cm in diameter, generally with 3 seeds, about 3-4.5 mm.

Uses

The fruits, which are called "cauchaos," are edible and used to make marmalade. The wood is extremely hard and resistant and is used as firewood. It has been planted in Spain.[2]

Etymology

The name Amomyrtus comes from the Greek Amos (fragrant) and the family name Myrtus, and Luma is the Mapuche name for the tree.

References
  1. "The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species". Retrieved February 5, 2014.
  2. "Chilean plants cultivated in Spain" (PDF). José Manuel Sánchez de Lorenzo-Cáceres. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-03-20. Retrieved 2010-07-16.
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