Lauraceae
Peumo: Aromatic Plant
Cryptocarya alba
Plant outdoors in a temperate climate (USDA zones 8 to 11) in loose, deep, and well-drained soil. It tolerates full sun and partial shade; young specimens appreciate some protection, similar to the ravines where they naturally grow. Maintain consistent moisture with regular watering, especially during the first few years and in summer, without waterlogging. Its root system is shallow, so avoid compacting or tilling the soil under the canopy. It is cold-hardy for its genus, but young trees should be protected from heavy frosts.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Peumo?
Peumo (Cryptocarya alba) is a medium-care plant from the Lauraceae family. The peumo is an evergreen tree endemic to Chile, characteristic of the sclerophyllous forests of the central zone. It grows between Coquimbo and Valdivia, across both mountain ranges and the central valley, primarily in ravines and shady slopes up to 1,500 meters in altitude. In the wild, it reaches...
Peumo grows up to 20.0m, spread of 900cm, watering every 7 days. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Peumo is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Peumo?
TLDR: Peumo needs Partial shade, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Peumo?
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but never waterlogged. In summer, young specimens require a deep watering approximately once a week. Established trees are more drought-tolerant but grow better and look healthier with constant moisture. Applying mulch under the canopy helps preserve moisture for its shallow roots.
How Much Light Does Peumo Need?
Grows in full sun or partial shade. In nature, it prefers shady slopes and ravines, so young trees tolerate partial shade well; in very hot and dry climates, avoid the strongest afternoon sun during the first few years.
What Is the Best Soil for Peumo?
Prefers loose, deep soils with good moisture retention and drainage. It accepts medium-quality soils. Avoid waterlogged or highly compacted ground, as its root system is shallow (about 1 meter deep).
What Pot Should You Use for Peumo?
It is not a long-term container plant; it is a large tree that must be planted in the ground. To raise young plants, use a deep pot or nursery bag with good drainage holes and transplant to its permanent location within one or two years.
What Is Peumo and Where Does It Come From?
The peumo is an evergreen tree endemic to Chile, characteristic of the sclerophyllous forests of the central zone. It grows between Coquimbo and Valdivia, across both mountain ranges and the central valley, primarily in ravines and shady slopes up to 1,500 meters in altitude. In the wild, it reaches heights of 15 to 25 meters, with a trunk up to 1 meter in diameter and thin, light brown, cracked bark; in cultivation, it usually stays between 6 and 15 meters. Its leaves are leathery, highly aromatic, bright green on top and pale green underneath. Between late winter and spring, it produces tiny greenish-yellow flowers in dense clusters, and between March and May, its fruit matures—a red edible berry also called peumo. It is a dominant species in its habitat and is classified as Least Concern, although it has lost ground in the Metropolitan Region due to land-use changes.
How to Propagate Peumo?
Seed
- Peumo seeds germinate easily.
- Sow the seed fresh; do not allow it to dry out for too long.
- 1 Harvesting
Collect ripe fruits between March and May when they are red.
- 2 Cleaning
Remove the pulp from the seed, which is large and heavy.
- 3 Sowing
Sow the fresh seed in a deep pot with loose substrate and keep it moist in partial shade.
- 4 Transplanting
When the plant has reached a good size and has firm roots, transplant it to its permanent location in the ground.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Peumo Grow?
TLDR: Peumo can reach up to 20.0m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
20.0m
Spread
9.0m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Aromatic
Pleasant fragrance
Medicinal Uses
- Infusion of leaves and bark traditionally used for liver conditions, hemorrhages, and rheumatism
- Bark decoction used in baths for rheumatism (folk remedy)
- No clinical studies support these uses
Culinary Uses
- Edible fruit, preferably cooked to remove bitterness and astringency
- Raw fruit sucked in the mouth
- Traditional drinks and preparations made with the fruit
Is your plant showing symptoms?
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Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- Wikipedia — Cryptocarya alba
- Fundación Reforestemos — Ficha Peumo (Cryptocarya alba)
- PlantLust — Cryptocarya alba (nursery data)
- es-academic (Wikipedia ES) — Cryptocarya alba
- Frontiers in Pharmacology 2025 — Cryptocarya alba (Peumo): phytochemicals with bioactive potential
- Fundación Lepe — Peumo, propiedades
