The Coihue is one of the most emblematic trees of the Patagonian and Andean forests in Argentina. It belongs to the Nothofagaceae family and its scientific name is Nothofagus dombeyi. It is recognized not only for its ecological importance but also as a symbol of the native nature of the southern region. Without a doubt, it is a tree that stands out for its majesty and its vital role in the Patagonian forests.
Description: A beautiful, relatively fast-growing, evergreen tree that can reach over 40 m in height and up to 4 m in diameter. It has a straight, cylindrical trunk, free of branches at the base. The branching is radial, giving the impression of horizontal stratification. The bark is a uniform gray and thin, with numerous shallow longitudinal fissures. The evergreen, leathery leaves are 2 to 4 cm long, lanceolate to somewhat rhomboid in shape, with serrated edges.
Distribution : characteristic of the southern landscape. Habitat: It has a wide tolerance range, growing at all altitudes, from sea level to almost the upper limit of tree vegetation in mountain ranges. It usually grows in moist soils. It forms pure stands, but also mixes with other species.
Uses: The wood, creamy yellow with reddish streaks, is of good quality for construction, general carpentry, and furniture making. It is not very resistant to moisture. It is a beautiful ornamental tree.
Etymology: Coihüe, of Mapuche origin; Nothofagus False Beech or Southern Beech; or Dombeyi, in honor of José Dombey, French botanist.
The Coihue is one of the most emblematic trees of the Patagonian and Andean forests in Argentina. It belongs to the Nothofagaceae family and its scientific name is Nothofagus dombeyi. In Argentine culture, the Coihue is recognized not only for its ecological importance but also as a symbol of the native nature of the southern region. Without a doubt, it is a tree that stands out for its majesty and its vital role in the Patagonian forests.
Distribution: It is very common and characteristic of the southern landscape.
Habitat: It has a wide range of tolerance, as it grows from sea level to almost the upper limit of tree vegetation in the mountains. It prefers humid soils. It forms pure forests but also mixes with other species.
Description: Beautiful evergreen tree with relatively fast growth, reaching heights of more than 40 meters and diameters up to 4 meters. Straight, cylindrical trunk, free of branches in the lower part. The branching is radiated and gives the appearance of being stratified in horizontal planes. Thin, uniformly gray bark with numerous shallow longitudinal fissures. Evergreen, leathery leaves, 2 to 4 cm long, lance-shaped, somewhat rhomboidal with serrated edges.
Uses: The wood, creamy yellow with reddish veins, is of good quality for construction, general carpentry, and furniture making. It is not very resistant to moisture. It is also a beautiful ornamental tree.
Etymology: Coihue is the Mapuche name. Nothofagus is often referred to as false beech or southern beech. Dombeyi is named in honor of the French botanist José Dombey.
