Lomatia hirsuta (Lam.) Diels

Size and growth form

Lomatia hirsuta is an evergreen tree that can reach up to 15 meters (50 feet) in height and 80 centimeters (31 inches) in trunk diameter.

Bark characteristics

It has light-grey bark marked by longitudinal fissures.

Leaf arrangement and shape

Its leaves grow in an alternate arrangement, have an ovate shape with a heart-shaped base, and measure 5–20 cm (2.0–7.9 in) long and 4–12 cm (1.6–4.7 in) wide, with toothed edges.

Leaf petiole

The leaf petioles are around 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) long.

Leaf color and venation

Leaves are dark glossy green on the upper surface and dull on the lower surface, with clearly visible venation on the underside.

Flower characteristics

The species produces hermaphrodite greenish-yellow flowers covered in rusty red fuzz or coating.

Inflorescence arrangement

Flowers are arranged in clustered axillary inflorescences.

Flower structure

Each individual flower has four linear tepals, 4 sessile stamens, and a shorter style.

Fruit characteristics

The fruit is a greyish-black, almost woody oval-oblong follicle 2–4 cm long, that splits open along two valves.

Seed characteristics

The seeds are brown, winged, arranged in overlapping imbricate rows, and measure about 15 mm wide and 5.6 mm long.

Wood properties

The wood of Lomatia hirsuta has attractive grain patterns, and is similar to the wood of Chilean hazel, though described as less elegant.

Traditional uses

Its leaves are used to produce a brown dye for wood.

Introduced range

This species has been planted in Spain and across the British Isles, as far north as Scotland.