Buy Amomyrtus luma

The 3/4" leaves of this slow-growing 6-15' shrub/tree are denser and darker-green than Myrtle and eventually it develops, in addition, beautiful cinnamon-colored bark; small white-flushed-pink flowers become 1/2" blue berries. S/M

Luma also known as Chilean Myrtle or Arrayán , is a close relative of the Common Myrtle (Myrtus communis) and the resemblance is obvious. Native to the central Andes between Chile and Argentina, Luma can grow to be up to 50 feet in height over hundreds of years. Here in the pacific northwest, we can reasonably expect to see it hit 15 feet in due time. When young, the plant is often shrubby, but grows at a reliable pace. Once the plant begins to become upright, the bark on the trunk sheds and peels in an ornamental display of red, orange, brown, and white. Evergreen, lanceolate and boxy foliage is a deep green, smothered in white, sweetly scented, creamy flowers in early summer. Flowers are followed by blueberry sized, and colored, fruit that are edible and delicious. This is a must have plant for the sheltered garden, consistent moisture is appreciated. Cold hardy to zone 8a and above.

Luma a. comes from the Andes between Chile and Argentina and is a Marpuche Indian word referring to its cinnamon-orange bark. Small, glossy, ovate, dark green leaves lining red stems are spicily fragrant when crushed, and clusters of waxy, white flowers blooming in summer are followed by delicious purple-black berries in fall. Protect from desiccating winter winds. If it does freeze back, it will likely return from the base. So gratifying! Minimum temperature: 10°F

ORANGE BARK MYRTLE - CHILEAN MYRTLE - SOAP BARK TREE - A erect shrub native to central Andes Mountain area with evergreen glossy leaves and cinnamon color exfoliating bark on mature specimens. In June and July, fragrant puffy creamy white 4 cupped petaled flowers cover the plant, followed by edible blue black fruit the size of blueberries. Likes full sun to lt shade and is a great subject for bonsai. Sweet spicy aromatic leaves. Hardy to approx 15 degrees.

Formerly classified as Myrtus luma, this beautiful Chilean tree has numerous virtues. The glossy, evergreen foliage is attractive in all seasons; and in June, masses of soft white flowers cover the plant. These are followed by black edible fruits in autumn which are quite tasty! To me, however, the best feature is the bark: smooth, peeling, predominantly orange but showing a variety of colors at once, heavily mottled on mature specimens, it will out-bark most any smooth-barked deciduous tree. I like it best in its natural growth form, where it is often multi-trunked, the trunks curving gracefully toward the crown in a somewhat rugged fashion; however, it can also be kept shrub-size by heavy pruning. It will tolerate sun or shade, and endures temperatures down to about 10 °F. To 30'

Collection by plantsman Mike Remmick in a rich area on the border of Chile and Argentina, this luma growing to small tree size to 12 ft or more with rounded leaves and beautiful patchy bark. The fruit is edible and flowers most attractive in mid-spring. This has been a particularly frost tolerant clone having taken low to mid-teens in stride, USDA zone 8b. Wonderful container or small garden tree. Can be trimmed as hedge or Disney character. Sun to dappled shade. Tolerant of wet feet.