Crinodendron hookerianum - Chilean Lantern tree
A highly valued and unusual ornamental tree or shrub for cooler moist/humid environments where it will grow best. However it will survive in dryer shady areas as well.
In its native Chile it grows naturally near streams in very humid places. However I have seen it growing in in shady dry locations in NZ and in hedge rows in Scotland so it is quite adaptable. In Chile it grows into a tree up to 8m high with a trunk about 300mm in diameter. In cultivation it appears to be multi branched and more shrub like.
Solitary, wonderfully different, pinkish to red flowers hang in abundance on long stalks from leaf axils making an unusual show and a great talking point. The bell shaped flower (corolla) is madeup of 5 free petals each of which has 3 teeth, 15 -18 stamen and a long stamen. After flowering round seeds are produced in a 5 valved capsule.
Leaves are very dark green, alternate on the stem and lanceolate shaped with a relatively sharp point. Each leaf is 40mm – 70mm long and 7mm – 18mm wide dark green above and whitish green on its underside.
Its name Crinodendron is from Ancient Greek meaning Lily Tree. Hookerianun honours Sir William Jackson Hooker Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens.
You can see more images on this Pinterest page Crinodendron hookerianum also see the pink form Crinodendron hookerianum 'Ada Hoffman'
In its native Chile it grows naturally near streams in very humid places. However I have seen it growing in in shady dry locations in NZ and in hedge rows in Scotland so it is quite adaptable. In Chile it grows into a tree up to 8m high with a trunk about 300mm in diameter. In cultivation it appears to be multi branched and more shrub like.
Solitary, wonderfully different, pinkish to red flowers hang in abundance on long stalks from leaf axils making an unusual show and a great talking point. The bell shaped flower (corolla) is madeup of 5 free petals each of which has 3 teeth, 15 -18 stamen and a long stamen. After flowering round seeds are produced in a 5 valved capsule.
Leaves are very dark green, alternate on the stem and lanceolate shaped with a relatively sharp point. Each leaf is 40mm – 70mm long and 7mm – 18mm wide dark green above and whitish green on its underside.
Its name Crinodendron is from Ancient Greek meaning Lily Tree. Hookerianun honours Sir William Jackson Hooker Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens.
You can see more images on this Pinterest page Crinodendron hookerianum also see the pink form Crinodendron hookerianum 'Ada Hoffman'