Whole plant
A view of the whole plant. Use the style selector to explore this species as an illustration or a photorealistic image.
The illustrated and photorealistic images were created with AI as visual references. Individual plants may differ in appearance, shape, size, colour and stage of growth.
Shrub or small tree
Huingán
Schinus polygamus
A densely branched, spiny plant with small pale flowers and dark fruit.
The catalogue keeps the scientific name under which this species was recorded. Its currently accepted name is Schinus polygama.
Botanical description
About this species
Huingán is a shrub or small tree in the Anacardiaceae family. Its branches are often spiny and its simple leaves vary in shape. Yellowish-white flowers grow in clusters in the leaf axils, developing into dark, round drupes.
Species geography
Natural distribution
Native to ChileWidespread in north-central and south-central Chile. Its confirmed native occurrence in Argentina is in Mendoza.
Habitat. Scrub, open woodland and dry slopes, from semi-arid to temperate environments.
Chile
- Atacama
- Coquimbo
- Valparaíso
- Metropolitana
- O’Higgins
- Maule
- Ñuble
- Biobío
- La Araucanía
- Los Ríos
- Los Lagos
Argentina
- Mendoza
Broader historical records were confused with related species. Only Mendoza is shown, following the recent taxonomic revision.
Latitude range: Approximately 27°–42° S
Species profile
Characteristics
- Local name
- Huingán
- Scientific name
- Schinus polygamus
- Plant type
- Shrub or small tree
- Origin
- Native to Chile, also occurring naturally in Argentina.
- Foliage
- Small, variable simple leaves on spiny branches.
- Distinctive feature
- Dense branching and dark, rounded fruit.
- Taxonomic note
- The currently accepted spelling is Schinus polygama.
Getting started
Planting and care
Light
Sun or light partial shade, with gradual acclimatisation after transplanting.
Watering
Moderate watering while establishing; space it out once rooted, according to the site.
Soil and planting
Good drainage is preferred. Avoid compacted soil and adapt care to the local climate.
Suitable conditions depend on the plant’s provenance, soil and microclimate. Check recommendations for your project with the nursery before planting.