This tree grows primarily in humid areas of Patagonia, especially along the shores of lakes and rivers. It is found in mixed forests alongside other species such as the Coihue and the Ñire. It is valued both for its unique beauty and for its importance in maintaining the ecosystem's balance, as its presence promotes local biodiversity.
Description: It can grow as a shrub or tree, reaching heights of 12 to 15 meters and diameters of up to 50 cm in its southernmost range. It is slow-growing, evergreen, and beautiful. Its most distinctive feature is its brick-red bark, which is very smooth and silky, with white patches due to the shedding of old bark. Its leaves are evergreen, opposite, aromatic, dark green and glossy on the upper surface, and pale green on the underside, with a small mucro at the tip. The numerous white stamens surround the long, single, reddish pistil.
Distribution: It grows between Colchagua and Chiloé, up to 700 m above sea level.
Habitat: It grows preferentially in very humid terrain, on the banks of rivers and lakes.
Fruit: It is a rounded, black berry, 1.3 to 1.5 cm in diameter, edible and with 3 kidney-shaped seeds.
Uses: Its very hard and compact wood is used to make tool handles and as firewood. It also has high ornamental value and is used to protect waterways.
Etymology: derived from a Mapuche name.
History: The myrtle is a protected species in some areas due to its vulnerability. Its image has been captured in various works of art and photographs that depict the magic of its colorful trunks and natural environment.
This tree grows primarily in the wetter areas of Patagonia, especially along lakes and rivers, and is found in mixed forests alongside other species like Coihue and Ñire. It is highly valued not only for its unique beauty but also for its importance in balancing the local ecosystem, as its presence promotes biodiversity.
Distribution: Found between Colchagua and Chiloé, up to 700 meters above sea level.
Habitat: Grows preferably in very wet soils, along riverbanks and lakes.
Description: Shrub or tree, with some specimens reaching heights of 12 to 15 meters and diameters up to 50 cm in its southernmost distribution. Slow-growing, evergreen, and with a beautiful appearance. The most characteristic feature is its bark, which is brick-red, very smooth and silky, with white spots due to the shedding of old bark plates. Evergreen leaves, opposite, aromatic, dark green on top, pale green underneath. A small mucron at the apex of the leaves. Numerous white stamens surround the long, simple, reddish pistil.
Fruit: A round black berry, 1.3 to 1.5 cm in diameter, edible, containing 3 kidney-shaped seeds.
Uses: The wood, very hard and compact, is used to make tool handles and as firewood. It is also ornamental. Used in protecting watercourses. The name derives from the Mapuche language. The Arrayán is a protected species in some areas due to its vulnerability, and its image has been captured in various artworks and photographs that depict the magic of its colorful trunks and natural surroundings.
