Chilean acorn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chilean acorn |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Cryptocarya
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| Species: |
alba
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The Cryptocarya alba, also known as the peumo or Chilean acorn, is a special tree that stays green all year round. It grows in Chile and Argentina, mainly between 33 and 40 degrees south latitude. This amazing tree can live in both wet and dry places, and you can find it up to 1,500 meters (about 5,000 feet) above sea level! Peumo trees can grow quite tall, reaching up to 20 meters (about 65 feet) high and one meter wide. They have gray bark that often looks cracked. Another interesting tree that sometimes grows near the peumo is the Chilean Wine Palm, which is now endangered. Long, long ago, the Chilean Wine Palm used to grow in many more places.
Contents
What Does the Peumo Look Like?
The peumo tree has leaves that stay on the tree all year, so it's always green! These leaves smell nice and are usually 2.5 to 8.5 centimeters long and one to four centimeters wide. They are shaped like an egg and have smooth edges that might be a little wavy.
The main trunk of the peumo tree is straight and doesn't twist much. Its bark is brownish-gray and feels quite smooth, with only a few cracks. As the tree gets older, some pieces of its bark might peel off. The main branches are thick and grow upwards, while the smaller branches at the ends are thin and hang down.
Peumo Flowers and Fruits
The flowers of the peumo tree grow in thick bunches. They are yellowish-green and quite small, only about three to four millimeters long. Each flower has both male and female parts, which means it can produce seeds on its own. They have six soft, uneven petals that are a bit hairy.
After the flowers, the tree grows tasty red fruits called "peumos." These fruits have large, heavy seeds inside that can easily grow into new trees.
How People Use Peumo Trees
Peumo trees are useful in many ways!
Scented Leaves and Edible Fruit
The leaves of the peumo tree have a very pleasant smell. The red fruit, called "peumo," is a type of berry and is safe to eat. The tree usually blooms, meaning its flowers open, from November to January in the southern part of the world.
Strong Wood and Other Uses
The wood from the peumo tree is very strong and can handle moisture well. This makes it good for building things. People also use the tree's bark for special purposes. It can be used to tan leather, which means making animal skins into strong leather. The bark can also be used to make a dye that colors things orange!
Many people like to plant peumo trees because they are beautiful and produce fruit. They have been planted in northern California and have grown very well there. Even though they are not often seen in Spain, they have also adapted perfectly to the climate in that country.
See also
- In Spanish: Cryptocarya alba para niños
