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Shrub or tree
Temú
Blepharocalyx cruckshanksii
An evergreen myrtle of moist sites, with white flowers and dark fruit.
The catalogue keeps the scientific name under which this species was recorded. Its currently accepted name is Temu cruckshanksii.
Botanical description
About this species
Temú is an evergreen shrub or tree endemic to south-central Chile and associated with moist environments. Its opposite leaves accompany white flowers with numerous stamens and dark fleshy fruit, typical of the Myrtaceae family.
Species geography
Natural distribution
Endemic to ChileA myrtle endemic to Chile, associated with moist sites from Valparaíso to Los Lagos.
Habitat. Wetlands, ravines, riverbanks and low-elevation swamp forests.
Chile
- Valparaíso
- Metropolitana
- O’Higgins
- Maule
- Ñuble
- Biobío
- La Araucanía
- Los Ríos
- Los Lagos
Latitude range: Approximately 32°–42° S
Species profile
Characteristics
- Local name
- Temú
- Scientific name
- Blepharocalyx cruckshanksii
- Plant type
- Shrub or tree
- Origin
- Endemic to Chile.
- Foliage
- Evergreen, opposite leaves.
- Distinctive feature
- White flowers and dark fleshy fruit.
- Taxonomic note
- The currently accepted name is Temu cruckshanksii.
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.