About Cryptocarya alba (Molina) Looser
Cryptocarya alba (Molina) Looser has perennial, aromatic, simple leaves that grow in both alternate and opposite arrangements. The leaves measure 2.5 to 8.5 cm long and 1 to 4 cm wide, are egg-shaped with entire margins that are slightly undulate. The trunk is straight and rarely twisted; it has brown-gray cork cambium that is relatively smooth, with few cracks, and develops detachable scales when the tree is old. Central branches are thick and ascending, while thin terminal twigs hang downward. Flowers grow in dense clusters, are greenish yellow, 3 to 4 mm long, and hermaphrodite, with six fleshy, uneven, hairy petals. This species produces red edible fruits called "peumos", which contain large heavy seeds that germinate easily. Its leaves are very strongly scented. The fruit is a red edible berry. Flowering occurs from November to January in the southern hemisphere. The wood is very hard and resistant to moisture. The bark is used for tanning leather and dyeing materials to produce an orange color. It is valued as both an ornamental tree and a tree grown for its fruit. Planted specimens of this species in northern California have performed very well. It is rarely seen in Spain, but has adapted perfectly to conditions there.
