New Forum opened! Ask questions about this plant!

INTRODUCTION

This is interesting shrubs with red assymetrical flowers and edible nuts. It grows in northern areas of Chile and is very resistant to dry spells and and can tolerate moderate freezing but no snow.

Image of Krameria cistoidea

IV Region, Cuesta El Espino, Chile
Altitude: 1300 - 1800 m. 10 27, 2007

DESCRIPTION

Plant type: Shrub

Flower: Red, 5 petals

Height: 50 cm.

Image of Krameria cistoidea

IV Region, Cuesta El Espino, Chile
Altitude: 1300 - 1800 m. 10 27, 2007

HABITAT

In Chile this species grows in the following environmental conditions:

Habitat according to altitude:

Low altitude, interior valleys
Coastal mountains, 500 - 2000 m.
Coastal areas, 0 - 500 m

Watering conditions:

Somewhat dry areas where the drought may last 3 - 5 months. Precipitations of 400 - 800 mm. are concentrated in winter.
Dry, arid areas, with long drought periods of 6 - 10 months. Precipitations of 100 mm - 300 mm. are concentrated in winter.
Extremely dry areas with very rare rainfall. The dry season lasts 8 - 12 months and in some years it is possible to have no rainfall at all. Rainfall less than 100 mm/year.

Light conditions:

Fully exposed to the sun. Level areas or slopes facing north.

Image of Krameria cistoidea

IV Region, Cuesta El Espino, Chile
Altitude: 1300 - 1800 m. 10 27, 2007

USES

Some ornamental value (B)

Useful properties:

Edible plant

Image of Krameria cistoidea

IV Region, Cuesta El Espino, Chile
Altitude: 1300 - 1800 m. 10 27, 2007

GROWING TIPS

This species has the following hardiness:

USDA Hardiness Zone 9. The plant does not tolerate snow, but can tolerate occasional freezing spells of about - 5° C (the typical morning frost of central Chile).

The germination is straightforward - just soak the seeds for one - two days in water and than plant and maintain wet. It needs sandy soil with good drainange, use about 2/3 of sand and 1/3 of compost. Once the plant is established, water very little and expose to sun light. Awoid exposing to severe cold.

If you are interested in purchasing seeds of this or similar species, please go to our On-line Seeds Shop.

More photos (5) of Krameria cistoidea Hook. & Arn. available here

More species from the same Krameriaceae family in our data base:

Krameria cistoidea

Krameria lappacea