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In Bloom

Luma apiculata is located in the Fragrance Garden in Bed 11F, in the Chilean Garden in Beds 57D and 55B and in the Library Terrace in Bed 5A..

Location Scientific Name Luma apiculata Family Myrtaceae Plant Type Shrub or tree Environment Tolerates many types of soil from sandy to heavy clay as long as it is well-drained (don't let dry out completely). Prefers a sunny spot, but grows in semi-shade. Tolerates maritime exposure. Bloom July to October, scented flowers Uses Works well planted singly or as a group of trees planted together (plant in a location where the bark can be admired). Grows to 60 feet tall in the wild. Succeeds as a hedge, small tree, or bonsai as well as it is very tolerant of clipping. More Info Fruit flavor and texture varies considerably from plant to plant, ranging from juicy and sweet to dry and tasteless L. apiculata was cultivated in California by 1897 and being sold in nurseries by 1909

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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Magnolia campbellii January	Magnolia denudata February	Magnolia x veitchii March
Iris douglasiana April

Acer palmatum 'Sango kaku' January	Magnolia campbellii 'Darjeeling' February	Bomarea spp. March
Rhododendron occidentale April	Polystichum munitum May	x Chiranthofremontia lenzii June
Salvia leucantha July	Hydrangea seemannii August	Wollemia nobilis September
Cyathea cooperi October	Pinus radiata November	Correa spp. December

Garrya elliptica January	Magnolia x soulangeana February	Senecio glastifolius March
Ribes spp. April	Oxalis oregana May	Calandrinia grandiflora June
Taxus baccata July	Romneya coulteri August	Passiflora parritae September
Malvaviscus arboreus October	Monterey Cypress November	Aloe arborescens December

Aloe plicatilis January	Banksia seminuda February	Zantedeschia aethiopica March
Magnolia laevifolia April	Araucaria heterophylla May	Toxicodendron diversilobum June
Clarkia sp. July	Agapanthus August	Brugmansia September
Cedrus spp. October	Protea repens November	Camellia sinensis December

Thujopsis dolabrata January	Gordonia longicarpa February	Rojasianthe superba March
Echium spp. April	Iris douglasiana May	Digitalis purpurea June
Felicia amelloides July	Ceroxylon quindiuense August	Amaryllis belladonna September
Ginkgo biloba October	Acer morrisonense November	Ilex aquifolium December

Picea sitchensis January	Telanthophora grandifolia February	Aeonium arboreum 'Schwartzkopf' March
Leptospermum April	Salvia gesneraeflora May	Lavandula spp. June
Pelargonium July	Fuchsia paniculata August	Luma apiculata September
Luculia October	Arbutus unedo November	Cycad December

Restionaceae January	Hellebores February	Ceanothus March
Rhododendron April	Psoralea pinnata May	Fremontodendron californicum June
Leucadendron argenteum July	Crocosmia August	Gunnera tinctoria September
Pellaea rotundifolia October	Fuchsia boliviana November	Erica canaliculata December

Magnolia campbelli January	Magnolia denudata February	Camellia March
Geranium maderense April	Acmena smithii May	Eschscholzia californica June
Dendromecon harfordii July	Romneya coulteri August	Eupatorium purpureum September
Epilobium canum sp. October	Grevillea spp. November	Drimys winteri December