Herb: Alerce


Latin name: Fitzroya cupressoides


Synonyms: Fitzroya patagonica, Pinus cupressoides


Family: Cupressaceae (Cypress Family)



Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Tree

Height:
10 m
(33 feet)

Habitat of Alerce:

Usually found in boggy ground up to 800 metres, though it is also found at higher and cooler altitudes that have high atmospheric humidity, it is then usually associated with Nothofagus dombeyi.

Other uses of the herb:

A fibre obtained from the inner bark is used for caulking boats. Wood - light, very durable, immune to insect attacks, of excellent quality. It is used for construction, carpentry, musical instruments etc.

Propagation of Alerce:

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Once they have reached a height of at least 30cm, plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings, August, in a sandy soil in a frame.

Cultivation of the herb:

Usually found in boggy ground up to 800 metres, though it is also found at higher and cooler altitudes that have high atmospheric humidity, it is then usually associated with Nothofagus dombeyi.

Medicinal use of Alerce:

None known

Known hazards of Fitzroya cupressoides:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.