Cryptocarya alba
Images by part: leaf (5) · flower (1) · fruit (3) · bark (3) · habit (0) · other (0)

Cryptocarya alba

Red cryptocarya

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: partial_sun
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
5–6
Hardiness
Zone 9–11
Click count
106
Observations
103

Description

Source: leafsnap

Cryptocarya alba, the peumo or Chilean acorn, is an evergreen tree that grows in Chile and Argentina from 33 to 40° southern latitude. It can live both in wet and as in dry conditions. Its distribution can reach up to 1500 meters (5000 ft) above sea level. It measures up to 20 meters (65 ft) height and one meter diameter, with cracked gray bark. An associate tree is the endangered Chilean Wine Palm, Jubaea chilensis, which species prehistorically had a much wider range.

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Partial sun

Chilean Acorn is native to habitats like forest understories or rocky areas, where it grows in naturally shaded conditions. It prefers partial sun but can adapt to both full sun and full shade, demonstrating its hardy and versatile nature.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Chilean Acorn is highly adaptable to a variety of climate conditions, from blistering summers to cold winters. That said, it does have a preferred temperature range for growth. If temperatures rise too high, the plant becomes vulnerable to heat and humidity stress, which can lead to its death. In areas where temperatures near the lower limit of its cold tolerance, applying insulation to protect the plant is important.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 5-6
Soil pH: 5-6
🌱 Fertilizer

Fertilize your Chilean Acorn in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Regular fertilization boosts overall health, producing vigorous growth, increased tolerance of harsh conditions, and enhanced resistance to diseases and pests. Keep a consistent fertilization schedule for your Chilean Acorn to preserve foliage that is vibrant, richly colored, and lush.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

Cryptocarya alba is an evergreen tree known for its aromatic leaves and clustered flowers. To shape the tree and remove any damaged parts, prune it in early spring. This helps ensure good airflow and reduces the risk of disease. Always use clean, sharp tools for pruning and consult local guidelines for the best care practices.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Cryptocarya
Family
Lauraceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
14.94 m to 24.99 m
Mature Spread
7.92 m to 11.89 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White, Cream
Flower Size
0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
Bloom Time
Late fall, Early winter, Mid winter
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Spring

Tags (9)

Common Names (1)

en Red cryptocarya