This is only a partial list of the plants and seeds we have available, send $2 ($4 foreign) for our complete paper catalog.
We are excited to offer an increasing selection of intriguing Chilean seed carefully harvested for us from wild populations and the plants we’ve grown from this seed. With diverse climates ranging from extreme desert (the dryest in the world!) to mediterranean to temperate to high alpine and even glacial, over 50% of Chile’s plants are endemics and highly adaptable to comparable environments worldwide. Chile is a trove of fascinating edible and medicinal species. Many are exceedingly rare, both in cultivation and the wild. Propagation is vital to thorough conservation.
Explore the wealth of Chile’s botanical heritage!
Aristotelia chilensis “Macqui”
Elaeocarpaceae. Shrub to 15′. Small white flowers, dark purple-black edible fruits with a taste similar to blueberries. A pioneer plant found mostly in cleared forests and lower mountain hillsides of Chile. The fruit are used for brewing wine and chicha, the leaves for sore throats, wound healing, intestinal tumours, and as an analgesic. Recent studies show that the berries have a very high antioxidant value and they are now being promoted as a superfood in the US. Easy to grow, prefers rich soil. A good food forest plant, fast growing. Part shade to sun. Z8a
Seed packet $3
Plant $9.50
Austrocedrus chilensis ”Lawan” “Cedro” “Cipres de la Cordillera”
Cupressaceae. Conical shaped coniferous tree to 30–70′. Forms small forests in dry, rocky areas of central Andean Chile and Argentina. Reported to live over 1,500 years. A highly vulnerable species that has been over exploited for its decay resistant strong wood. Wild populations are also dying off due to pathogens, as are many tree species worldwide. Should be widely used for reforestation. Seed needs cold stratification. Z7–8a
Seed packet $3
Bomarea salsilla “Meulen Lawen”
Alstroemeriaceae or Liliaceae. Twining climber to 8′. Large umbels of 20+ rose colored tubular flowers. Central Chile. Used medicinally by the Mapuche. The bulbs of many Bomarea are edible. A lovely climber for shade or sun. Resprouts from the roots in a hard frost. Z8b/9a
Plant 2+ years old $7.50
Buddleja globosa ”Orange Ball Butterfly Tree” “Matico”
Buddlejaceae. Semi-evergreen shrub to 10′+ tall. Green leaves with downy white undersides. Spherical clusters of orange-yellow fragrant flowers. Gorgeous form of butterfly bush. The the flavonoid rich leaves are traditionally used for healing wounds and the stem bark contains novel terpenes with antifungal activity. Surface sow seeds. Z7b
Seed packet $3
Cajophora coronata ”Kuri” “Ortiguilla”
Loasaceae. Weird plant to 12″+ with lacinate leaves covered in stinging hairs like nettles. Unusual white lantern-like flowers to 3″ across. Endemic to the high mountains of central northern Chile, above 9,000′. Has medicinal uses similar to nettle. Z6b–7a
Seed packet $3
Calceolaria cana ”Salsilla”
Scrophulariaceae. Ornamental herbaceaous perennial to 1.5′. Distinct 2 lipped flowers, small upper lip, and large inflated pouch like lower lip, lavender in color, with white and darker purple mottling. Central Chile up to 6,000′. Dermatological uses in ethnomedicine. Prefers cool, moist, rich soil. Surface sow seed. Z8a-b
Seed packet $3
Colletia ulicina ”Kunko rojo” “Wayun”
Rhamnaceae. Very unusual and amazingly cool shrub to 10′ tall. Nearly leafless branches covered in many small, multibranched, photosynthetic green spines. Tubular red flowers are borne in mass along the branch ends. Endemic to central Chile. Arguably the most interesting and showy species of this South American genus. Can be planted as a living fence. Nitrogen fixing and drought hardy. Seed may do better with cold treatment, though some germination warm. Z8a
10 seed $3.75
Conanthera campanulata ”Pajarito del Campo”
Tecophilaeaceae. Bulb with grass like leaves to to 12″+. Strikingly beautiful, nodding, white to blue flowers, with 6 recurved petals, 3 bearing darker splotches of blue. Central Chile. The bulb is eaten much like the Brodiaea of California. Easy to grow, goes dormant after flowering and should be kept dry until Winter rains. Seed may need 30 days cold treatment. Z8b
Seed packet $3.50
Coriaria ruscifolia ‘Chile’ ”Deu”
Coriariaceae. Monotypic genus. Small shrub or bush, up to 6′ tall. Arching or pendent branches lined with oval leaflets give the plant a unique fern-like appearance. Hanging clusters of small flowers transform into necklaces of dark purple fruits. Native to mid elevations western South America. The berries of closely related species (now considered synonymous by some) Coriaria thymifolia, are considered a magical fruit in Ecuador and are said to give one the feeling of flight when eaten. The whole plant including the berries are thought to be toxic so care should be taken to educate visitors not to eat the alluring berries. The roots host bacteria that fix nitrogen in the soil. A unique highly ornamental plant. These plants from Chilean seed are distinct from collections we’ve made in Peru, having larger leaflets and dark green stems. Z9b
Seed packet $4
Plant, 2 years old $14
For additional Coriaria species see our Andean offerings
Desfontainia spinosa ”Taique” “Borrachero”
Desfontainiaceae. Highly ornamental evergreen shrub. Holly like leaves and 1″ tubular red flowers with yellow tips followed purplish yellow-green fruits. Grows in a limited range from the Columbian Andes south to Chile. Generally considered a monotypic species with a family all its own. We first encountered this beautiful plant in 1996 in Cusco Dept., Peru between the ruins of Sayacmarca and Runkurakay, at 12,500′. Used throughout its range as an ethnomedicinal inebrient, possibly as a delirient entheogen. The chemistry is unknown. Easy to grow, in full sun it stays a bush, to 6′, in part shade it can reach 15′ or more. Well drained rich acid soil. Drought tolerant once established, but prefers ample water. Rare in cultivation. We offer a Chilean clone. Z8b
6″+ plant $14.50
Dioscorea brachybotra “Papa Cimarrona”
Dioscoreaceae. Ornamental twining vine to 6′+. Small yellow flowers. Unusual dissected leaves with prominent veins. Starchy edible tuber. Central Chile up to 6,000′. Part shade, a good addition to the edible forest garden. Z8a
5 seed $2.50
Dioscorea bryonifolia “Camasilla”
From a caudex arises a large vine with lobed, heart like leaves. Central Chile. Like many Dioscorea, may germinate best under cool conditions. Z9a–b
5 seed $2.50
Ephedra breana “Tume”
Ephedraceae. Upright bush to over 6′. Eventually forms a distinct trunk. Unusual papery fruit and seed. Endemic to the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. Traditionally used as an antibacterial and strongly stimulating tea. Anecdotal reports suggest it may have very high ephedrine levels or another stimulating compound. Extremely drought tolerant. Z8b and below
Seed packet $4
Ephedra chilensis “Pingo-pingo”
Upright jointed shrub 1–3′. Greenish flowers, white edible berries with a honey flavor. Native to the high mountains of central Chile. A traditional urinary tonic and aphrodisiac. Contains antioxidant proanthocyanidens and possibly ephedrine? Z7a
Seed packet $3.50
Plant 2+ years old $8.50
Embothrium coccineum fma. andina “Notro” “Ciruelillo” “Chilean Firebush”
Proteaceae. Attractive shrub to 5′ with leathery lanceolate leaves and large showy bunches of bright red tubular flowers make for ecstatic hummingbirds. This dwarf form is native to the high rainfall mid elevations of southern Chile. The copious nectar flow from the flowers is a source of natural sweetener. The flowers are massaged into to the body for spiritual protection. Give it a mineral soil and bright spot but keep the roots cool, especially during warm weather. Fixes nitrogen but dislikes rich soil and strong fertilizer, especially high phosphorus ones. Z6b
8–10″+ plant 2 years old $14
Empetrum rubrum ”Mulweng” “Brecillo”
Ericaceae. Evergreen groundcover to 12″ tall. Small dense leaves. Reddish flowers followed by bright-red edible berries. A native of mid to high elevations, central and southern Chile. The sweet berries are used by the Mapuche for brewing chicha. More tolerant of dry conditions than the widespread E. nigrum. A fantastic and ornamental addition to the edible landscape. Seed needs 60+ days cold to sprout. Z5–6
Seed packet $3.25
3-6″ plant 4 years old $9.50
Escallonia virgata ”Meki”
Saxifragaceae. Handsome shrub or tree to 20′. Smallish densely arranged shiny leaves, white flowers. Native to central and southern Chile and Argentina where it is often found in association with Nothofagus forests. Escallonia are important members of the Andean forests and should be more widely planted. Sun and drought hardy. Surface sow seed. Z8a
Seed packet $3.25
Eulychnea castanea
Cactaceae. Shrubby columnar cactus to about 3 tall. 4″ diameter stems with up to 11 ribs. Large fuzzy areoles with 8-10 small radial spines and 1 central spine up to 4″ long. 2-3″ bell shaped white flowers borne along the sides of the stems. Spiny, green edible fruits. Forms dense thickets along Chile’s central coast, from Tongoy to Los Vilos. Closely related to Trichocereus. The woody core of some Eulychnea species are used for making the musical instruments known as rain sticks. Z9b-10a
Seed packet $2.50
Fabiana imbricata “Pichi Pichi” “Peta”
Solanaceae. A very beautiful shrub, 3-6′ tall. Tiny, unusual scale like leaves. Bears hundreds of small tubular flowers, white to pale purple in color. Superficially resembles a heather. Native to dry hillsides in southern Chile. Traditionally used as a diuretic for kidney and urinary problems. The dried herb is burned as a ceremonial incense, and is reported to have mild inebriating effects when inhaled. Prefers a well draining soil and full sun. Drought tolerant once established. Cold or GA-3 helps germination. Z7b
Seed packet $3
Fabiana viscosa
Shrub to 3′ with small sticky cylindrical leaves. Tubular yellow flowers cover the plant. Occurs up to 6,500′ in Region 3 & 4, Chile. Another beautiful and bizarre erica-like tobacco relative. Medicinal and aromatic. Drought hardy. Z9a
8–10″+ plant 2+ years old $9.50
Francoa appendiculata ”Llaupangue”
Saxifragaceae. Small mounds of scalloped leaves. 2′ spikes of endearing white to pink flowers with purple inner markings. Used medicinally as an astringent. Prefers sun to part shade and moisture. Elegant and easy to grow. Z7b
Seed packet $2.50
Gaultheria caespitosa ”Murtillo”
Ericaceae. Miniature creeping perennial to about 1″. Pink flowers and white edible berries. Native to the high mountains of Central Chile. A choice and rare species for the rock garden. Prefers a little shade and well drained acidic soil. Surface sow seed. Sprouts in 3-6 weeks. Z6b
Seed packet $4
Gaultheria phillyreifolia “Chuwra comun”
Attractive evergreen shrub to 4′. White bell flowers and red edible berries. Central and southern Chile, up to 4,000′. The sweet berries are used to make an esteemed chicha (beer). Prefers a slightly acidic soil, sun, shade and drought tolerant. Z7b
Seed packet $3
Plant 3 years old $8.50
For additional Gaultheria species see our Californian , Andean & Medicinals/Edibles offerings
Geum magellanicum“Hierba de Clavo”
Rosaceae. Highly ornamental herbaceous perennial to 3′. Beautiful abundant bright orange-red flowers on slender branching stalks. From mid to high elevations, southern Chile. Used medicinally for its astringent actions. Prefers sun and regular moisture. Easy and rewarding. Z7a
Seed packet $2.50
Gevuina avellana ”Guevin” “Nefu” “Chilean Macadamia”
Proteaceae. Ornamental rounded evergreen tree 20-30′ tall. Glossy pinnate leaves up to 2′ long. Panicles of creamy white flowers followed by clusters of red fruit containing a large edible nut. Native to central and southern Chile. The sweet, nutritious, macadamia-like nuts have been eaten by the Mapuche for thousands of years. A commercial nut crop in Chile and more recently New Zealand. The plant needs sun, but cool moist soil, well drained and slightly acidic. Resents too much phosphorus and benefits greatly from mycorrhizal inoculation. Z8a
6″+ seedling $13.50
Jovellana violaceae “Capachito”
Scrophulariaceae. Mounding subshrub 2-4′ tall. Pubescent green leaves. Clusters of stunning small bell flowers, pink with highlights of purple and yellow. A rare species endemic to central Chile. A delightful and unusual plant. Prefers part shade and moist rich soil. Z9a
Plant 2+ years old $6.50 or 2 for $10.50
Kageneckia oblonga “Bollen”
Rosaceae. Evergreen shrub 8–15′ tall. Oblong 2″ leaves and axillary clusters of white flowers. Unusual star shaped woody seed capsule. Chilean endemic. Kageneckia species are important members of the Andean forests and dry scrub. The tough hard wood is used for tool making. Contains antioxidant, analgesic and antiinflammatory compounds. A handsome landscape specimen. Fairly drought hardy. Seed germinates warm in 2–6 weeks. Z8a
Seed packet $3
Lapageria rosea ”Copihue” “Chilean Bell Flower”
Philesiaceae. Climbing evergreen vine to 20′+. Large 3-4″ pendant bell flowers, usually a rich rose color, but occasionally other hues. The national flower of Chile! Sweet edible fruit. Endemic to the forests of central Chile. The fruit is sometimes brewed into a chicha by the Mapuche. The finest ornamental edible climber there is. Fairly slow growing but easy if given a semi-shady sheltered spot, acid soil, and ample moisture. Z8a-b
Seedling, 2+ years old $12
Latua pubiflora “Latue” “Palo de Bruja”
Solanaceae. Multi-branched shrub 6-20′. Gray-green lanceolate leaves 1-3″ long. Violet bell-shaped 1.5″ flowers hang from the branches, small yellowish berries. Some clones have long thorns, others are nearly thornless. A monotypic genus endemic to limited regions of Chile. When our colleagues Rob Montgomery and Christian Ratsch first came upon this plant in Chiloe, they literally fell to their knees in awe! Revered by the Mapuche, the plant is used for rheumatism and as a shamanic deliriant, similar to Datura. Sun to part shade, well drained rich soil. This stunning rarity is new to cultivation, a true horticultural gem. Germinates in 4-8 weeks. Z9b
Seed packet $7 Inquire for plants
Lobelia excelsa “Tobaco del Diablo” “Tupa”
Campanulaceae. Evergreen shrub 6–15′ tall. Rosettes of green lanceolate leaves. Breathtaking spires of large tubular brick-red flowers with decurved corollas. Endemic to the Andean foothills of central Chile. Utilized interchangeably with L. tupa. Surface sow seed. Drought tolerant once established. Z8b
Seed packet $3
Lobelia tupa “Tobaco del Diablo” “Tupa”
Shrub 4–6′ tall. Gray-green felted leaves. Long spikes of carmine flowers. Lower elevations of central Chile. The Mapuche have been reported to smoke the leaves, apply leaf juice for toothache and use the root as a poison. A very showy plant. Grow like L. excelsa. Z8b
Seed packet $3
Maihuenia poeppigii “Mahuen”
Cactaceae. A unique low growing Opuntia relative. Forms mats of cylindrical stems to 4″ topped with small fleshy leaves. Spines to 1/2″+ and yellow flowers. Seed wild collected in the mountains of central Chile. Edible fruit. Fantastic for the rock garden, tolerant of high rainfall. Z5b/6a
Seed packet $3
1.5–2″+ plant 2–3 years old $7.50
Mutisia subulata “Flor de la granada”
Asteraceae or Compositae. Tendrilled vine 4-8′. Unusual slender petalled red or pink “daisy” flowers to 2″. A rare endemic, used for bronchitis. Z9a-b
Seed packet $2.75
Nicotiana solanifolia “Tobaco Cimarron”
Solanaceae. Rosettes of wavy paddle shaped leaves. Flowering stalks 3-5′ tall with green tubular flowers. A rare and unusual tobacco found only in rocky areas in the fog belt of coastal northern Chile. New to cultivation. Z10a?
Seed packet $4
For additional Nicotiana species see our Californian , Andean & Medicinals/Edibles offerings
Pernettya furens (=Gaultheria insana) “Hued-hued” “Hierba Loca”
Ericaceae. Evergreen shrublet 1-2′ in height. White bell flowers and red berries. Endemic to southern Chile. The fruits are reported to cause intoxication and delirium when eaten, in excess, a permanent condition of insanity may be induced. Grow like Gaultheria. Z7a
Seed packet $3
Plant 3+ years old $7.50
Pernettya pumila “Chuara”
Evergreen subshrub, 2–3′ tall. Small shiny leaves, white bell flowers blushed pink. White to red edible berries, sweet with a slight vanilla hint. Low to high elevations, south-central Chile. Sun to part shade, drought tolerant once established. Prefers slightly acid soil. Z6b
Seed packet $3
For additional Pernettya species see our Andean & Medicinals/Edibles offerings
Peumus boldus “Boldo”
Monimiaceae. A monotypic genus. Attractive evergeen tree 20–50′. Aromatic leaves. Scented white flowers, tasty edible green fruit. Endemic to the sclerophyllous forests of central Chile. The camphor scented leaves are used in cooking and as a tea for digestion, liver and gallbladder health. Considered something of a panacea. Chewed leaves found at the Monte Verde site in Chile (dated around 13,000 years ago) show the extreme antiquity of its medicinal use. Drought and cold hardy to at least Z8a. Slow germination; 6+ months, give cold or try GA-3.
5 seed $3
Prumnopitys andina “Lleuque” “Chilean Plum Yew”
Podocarpaceae. Evergreen yew-like tree, 40–60′+ tall. Form 3/4″ dark purple fruits that are sweet, aromatic and tasty. Endemic to the temperate forests of the lower Andean slopes of south central Chile where it is considered highly vulnerable due to habitat loss. The fruit has long been esteemed by the Mapuche and is made into chicha and marmalade. The wood is durable and used in construction. Prefers part shade and moisture. Z8a
6-10″ Seedling (unsexed) 2-3 year sold $16
Puya berteroniana “Chawal”
Bromeliaceae. Forms large rosettes of long, narrow, recurved, gray-green leaves. Huge club like flower stalks up to 9′+ bear a multitude of spectacular dark aquamarine flowers. Central Chilean Andes up to 7,000′. An important food of endangered wild chinchillas. Prefers a bright spot, cooler temperatures, and is very drought tolerant. Sprout like cacti. Z8b
Seed packet $3
3-4″+ plant 2+ years old $6.50
Puya venusta
1-2″ rosettes of slender serrated silver leaves. Beautiul red flower spikes withviolet blossoms. North central Chile. A gorgeous and unique xerophytic pineapple relative. Z9b
Seed packet $3
For other Puya species see Andean Collections
Rhaphithamnus spinosus
Verbenaceae. Unusual and alluring shrub 5 to 20′. Young branches are spiny and it boasts a generous profusion of tubular lavender flowers followed by glossy purple fruits that are edible and said to be quite tasty. The foliage turns an inciting purple during Winter. Part shade to sun. Cold may improve germination. Z7b
Seed packet $4
Plant $10 or 2 for $17
Rhodophiala montana
Amaryllidaceae. Handsome bulb with slender leaves and flower stalks to 12″. Pure yellow trumpet flowers. Rare endemic of central Andean Chile. Unconfirmed reports of the bulb being edible. Give well drained soil and sun. Z6a/7b
Plant/bulb 1–2 years old $7.50
Ribes cucullatum “Zarzaparilla” “Chilean Current”
Rosaceae or Grossulariaceae. Low shrub to 2′, reddish flowers, clusters of black edible berries. Native to the hills and mountains of central Chile, up to 10,000. The Mapuche relish the fruit and use the root as a blood cleanser. A new addition for the edible landscape. Grow like a currant. Cold stratify seed. Z7a
Seed packet $3
Plant 2 years old $7.50
Ribes magellanicum “Uvilla” “Upush” “Chilean Current”
Deciduous shrub to 3–8′. Shiny tri-lobate leaves. Tassels of cream colored flowers followed by edible black berries. Native to southern Chile/Argentina. This fantastic wild currant is being considered for domestication in New Zealand. Sun to part shade. Stratify seed. Z8a–b
Seed packet $3
Satureja multiflora “Alwe Lawen” “Menta de Arbol”
Labiatae. Aromatic shrub to 5′. Rich green simple leaves, deep-pink tubular flowers to entice hummingbirds. An endangered species from central Chile. This is a lovely Andean yerba buena with a pleasing mint-like scent. A tea is used for stomach problems. The plant does not produce much seed, which may be part of why it’s endangered. Sun to part shade and regular moisture. Z9a or b
10 seed $4
8–12″ plant 1+ years old $8.50 (limited)
Ugni molinae ”Unu” “Murtillo” “Chilean Guava”
Myrtaceae. Ornamental evergreen shrub to 6′. Cup-shaped fragrant white-pink flowers and 1/3″ rose-purple edible berries. Southern Chile. The fruit has a particularly delicious flavor, being aromatic and sweet. The leaves are rich in antioxidants, the Mapuche make a analgesic tea from them and brew chicha from the fruit. The roasted seeds are a coffee substitute. Ugni candollei is used to induce dreaming. Commercially cultivated in Chile for the fruits, it was popular in 1800s England, Queen Victoria’s favorite fruit! Does excellent here in northern California. Dislikes alkaline soil, but is very easy to grow. Sun to half shade, drought tolerant when established. Can be trimmed as a hedge. Deserves wide cultivation. The plants we offer are seed grown from wild stock, assuring the highest genteic diversity. We have also been selecting out some interesting clones, inquire for these. Higher germination with 30 days cold. Z8a
Seed packet $3
Plant 2+ years old $6.50
For additional Ugni species see our Medicinals/Edibles offerings
This website is not a guide to usage; edible, medicinal, or otherwise. We sell all plants and seeds strictly for growing purposes. Placing an order commits to an understanding and agreement to these terms.
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