Top 20 Most Common Trees in Chile

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Top 20 Most Common Trees in Chile

Chile's diverse climate and soil conditions provide a conducive environment for the growth of a variety of native trees. Three emblematic local trees are Weeping fig, Litre tree, and Peach. These trees hold significant cultural and ecological value within the region. They contribute to the biodiversity of Chile's ecosystems and play vital roles in providing habitat, conserving water, and preserving the country's natural heritage. They are treasured by the local communities and are an integral part of Chile's environmental identity.

Most Common Trees

Weeping fig

Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) is an evergreen tree native to Asia and Australia. It is one of the most popular houseplants in the world, known for its elegant, glossy leaves. However, people with allergies should avoid weeping fig, considering that it is a major source of indoor allergens. All parts of the plant are poisonous except the fruits.

Litre tree

Endemic to central Chile, the litre tree is a shrub or smaller tree that's extremely ornamental but rarely used in cultivation. The reason for that lies in its extreme allergenic properties—when touched, its leaves and bark can cause severe dermatitis. Probably due to its toxicity, this tree is known as one of the least disturbed trees in the wild.

Corn plant

Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is an evergreen, slow-growing perennial shrub native to tropical Africa. Also, it is a classic houseplant, grown in Europe since the 1800s. Its glossy green foliage that resembles corn leaves grow on top of a thick cane, which is why the plant is sometimes called “false palm tree.”

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Peach

Peach is native to Northwest China. China, Spain, and Italy are the top three producers of peaches world-wide. The peach is also the state fruit of Georgia. Peach production in the US in 2017 was valued at $599 million. The fruit has a yellow or white flesh, a sweet aroma, and a skin that is either velvety (peaches) or smooth (nectarines).

Rubber tree

Rubber tree (Ficus elastica) is a large tree with wide, oval, glossy leaves. Its milky white latex was used for making rubber before Pará rubber tree came into use, hence the name. Rubber tree is an ornamental species, often grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.

Lemon

Lemon is a cultivated small evergreen tree known for its yellow, juicy, sour fruits full of citric acid. Its origins are unknown, but it was probably first created in India, China, or Burma as a hybrid of sour orange (Citrus × aurantium) and citron (Citrus medica). It is commercial fruit cultivated in warm regions around the world.

Avocado

Persea americana, widely known as the avocado plant, is an evergreen tree (semi-deciduous in cooler climates) that is native to Central America. It is cultivated all over the world for its nutritious fruits. Avocado has become an important plant in many cuisines due to its high nutrient and fat content, creamy texture, and distinct taste.

Tree of heaven

8. Tree of heaven

While the tree of heaven has a lovely name, it has a bad reputation in many areas of the US. Several states consider it an invasive species because of its aggressive growth, rapid reproduction, and ability to thrive in poor conditions. The root system of this tree routinely damages sidewalks, sewer systems and other structures.

Fiddle-leaf fig

9. Fiddle-leaf fig

As its name implies, the fiddle-leaf fig has leaves that are shaped like a violin. Wildly popular as a houseplant, the Ficus lyrata makes an architectural statement with its unique and lush leaves. However, please be aware that this plant is finicky and can be hard to keep alive.

Black locust

10. Black locust

While the black locust may have a bad reputation in many areas of the US due to its opportunistic and rapid growth, there are benefits to this tree. The black locust is an important food source for honey bees and is a good choice for windbreaks since it grows so quickly (91 to 122 cm per year). Its wood also resists rot, so it is used in fenceposts. The plant is highly toxic, though, and should never be consumed.

Chilean cestrum

11. Chilean cestrum

Chilean cestrum (Cestrum parqui) is a deciduous shrub. It blooms from summer to fall with fragrant, tubular-shaped yellow flowers that emit the strongest scent throughout the evening hours. Perfect for growing near an al fresco dining area or patio. It has been listed for years as a top plant by the Royal Horticultural Society, but can be invasive in warm climate areas.

Boldo

Boldo (Peumus boldus) is renowned for its hardwood which is used in cabinetmaking. The tree's bark is processed to make a dye and its leaves provide essential oil as well as the alkaloid boldine. This tree is occasionally grown ornamentally, mainly in botanical gardens.

Mayten tree

13. Mayten tree

Mayten tree (Maytenus boaria) is an evergreen tree that is native to South America. Its scientific specific epithet is related to the word "bovine" and is a reference to the fact that Chilean cattle often feed on the tree’s tender low-hanging leaves. Mayten tree produces greenish-yellow flowers that are attractive to European honeybees.

Silver wattle

14. Silver wattle

It is a fast-growing evergreen tree or shrub growing up to 15 m tall. The leaves are blue-green to silvery gray and thinly divided, which makes them attractive all year long. The flowers of the silver wattle are bright balls of color made up of yellow flowerheads of 13–42 individual flowers.

Spineless yucca

15. Spineless yucca

Spineless yucca (*Yucca gigantea*) is a flowering evergreen shrub. It is evolutionarily related to asparagus, although its appearance does not indicate this fact. Spineless yucca grows in warm climates throughout Central America and nearby islands. When growing spineless yucca as a houseplant, it is important not to overwater the plant.

Bay laurel

The leaf of the bay laurel is widely known around the world and is used to season dishes, especially Mediterranean dishes. The aromatic whole bay leaves can be added during food preparation for flavor and then are typically removed before serving. Dried ground bay leaf can be used as a seasoning within the dish and is often added to soups and stews.

Oleander

Nerium oleander, colloquially known as oleander, is a shrub or a small tree, known for its majestic pink five-lobed flowers and deep green lanceolate leaves. Oleander is one of the most poisonous popular decorative garden plants, so it is advised to keep small children and pets away from it.

Glossy privet

18. Glossy privet

The glossy privet can be grown as a shrub or tree. This hardy, drought-tolerant plant has attractive glossy leaves and appealing white flowers. The flowers of glossy privet have a strong odor, so before planting make sure you find the scent acceptable. The berries that they produce are toxic if consumed.

Poinsettia

The poinsettia is a common sight in the United States during Christmastime. It was popularized by Albert Ecke after he emigrated to California from Germany. Today, 70 million poinsettias are sold in a 6-week period.

Chilean wine palm

20. Chilean wine palm

Chilean wine palm (Jubaea chilensis) is a slow-growing, evergreen palm that will grow from 18 to 24 m tall. The thick, 91 cm wide trunk is the biggest of any palm tree. Mature trees will bloom in summer with sprays of purple and yellow, bowl-shaped flowers. Large clusters of yellow fruit ripen after blooming season and have a soft pulp that is said to taste like coconut. Long living, sometimes for several hundred years.

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South America > Chile

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