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Tree
Canelo
Drimys winteri
An evergreen tree with aromatic leaves and white flowers, associated with moist environments.
Botanical description
About this species
Canelo is an evergreen tree of temperate forests and moist sites in southern South America. It has large, simple aromatic leaves with pale undersides, and white flowers with numerous petals and stamens that later develop into dark fruit.
Species geography
Natural distribution
Native to ChileHas a very broad native range, from semi-arid Chile to the far south, shared with Argentine Patagonia.
Habitat. Moist forests, wet meadows, peatlands and watercourse edges.
Chile
- Coquimbo
- Valparaíso
- Metropolitana
- O’Higgins
- Maule
- Ñuble
- Biobío
- La Araucanía
- Los Ríos
- Los Lagos
- Aysén
- Magallanes
Argentina
- Neuquén
- Río Negro
- Chubut
- Santa Cruz
- Tierra del Fuego
Latitude range: Approximately 30°–56° S
Species profile
Characteristics
- Local name
- Canelo
- Scientific name
- Drimys winteri
- Plant type
- Tree
- Origin
- Native to Chile, also occurring naturally in Argentina.
- Foliage
- Aromatic evergreen leaves with whitish undersides.
- Distinctive feature
- White flowers with numerous petals and stamens.
- Ecological role
- Part of moist forests and vegetation along watercourses.
Getting started
Planting and care
Light
Gentle sun or partial shade, especially while establishing.
Watering
Water frequently; relatively stable air and soil moisture is important.
Soil and planting
Cool to moist soil rich in organic matter. Avoid letting the root ball dry out.
Suitable conditions depend on the plant’s provenance, soil and microclimate. Check recommendations for your project with the nursery before planting.