INTRODUCTION

Image of Elytropus chilensis

VII Region, Reserva Nacional Vilches, Chile
Altitude: 1220-1280 m. 10 24, 2006

DESCRIPTION

Plant type: Shrub

Flower: White, 5 petals

Height:100

Image of Elytropus chilensis

VII Region, Reserva Nacional Altos del Lircay, Chile
Altitude: 400-1550 m. 01 07, 2006

HABITAT

In Chile this species grows in the following environmental conditions:

Habitat according to altitude:

Medium altitude up to the timber line
Coastal mountains, 500 - 2000 m.

Watering conditions:

Humid areas, with almost constant rainfall. Short dry periods are possible (generally not longer than 1 month).

Light conditions:

In shadow. Steep slopes facing south or a vegetation cover which filters 40 - 80 % of light.
In deep shadow. Deep ravines facing south with additional shadow from trees, or where there is a very dense vegetation cover which gives 80 - 100 % shadow (for instance, the Valdivian forests)

Image of Elytropus chilensis

VII Region, Reserva Nacional Vilches, Chile
Altitude: 1220-1280 m. 10 24, 2006

USES

Good ornamental value (A)

Useful properties:

Medicinal

Image of Elytropus chilensis

VII Region, Reserva Nacional Vilches, Chile
Altitude: 1220-1280 m. 10 24, 2006

GROWING TIPS

This species has the following hardiness:

USDA Hardiness Zone 7, even 6b. The plant tolerates low temperatures (-15° C even -20° C), it can be covered by snow for months (1 - 8 months).

If you are interested in purchasing seeds of this or similar species, please go to our On-line Seeds Shop.

More photos (15) of Elytropus chilensis (A.DC.) Muell. Arg. available here

More species from the same Apocynaceae family in our data base:

Elytropus chilensis (Quilmay / Poroto del campo)

Skytanthus acutus (Cuerno de cabra / Cuernecillo)