Cryptocarya alba

Cryptocarya alba, called peumo or Chilean acorn, is an evergreen tree found in central Chile between 33° and 40° south, reaching as far south as Los Lagos Region. It tolerates both wet and dry conditions and grows up to 1500 meters (5000 feet) above sea level. The tree reaches 20 meters (65 feet) in height and one meter in diameter, with cracked gray bark. It often grows alongside the endangered Chilean Wine Palm, Jubaea chilensis, a species that once had a much larger prehistoric range.

The leaves are perennial, aromatic, simple, and arranged alternately and oppositely. They are egg-shaped with entire, slightly wavy edges, measuring 2.5 to 8.5 cm long and one to four cm wide. The trunk is straight and rarely twisted, with a brown-gray cork cambium that is relatively smooth, showing few cracks and detachable scales when old. Central branches are thick and ascending, while terminal twigs are thin and hanging. The flowers are greenish yellow, three to four mm long, and grow in dense bunches; they are hermaphrodite, with six fleshy, uneven, hairy petals. The edible red fruits, called "peumos," contain large, heavy seeds that germinate easily.

The leaves are strongly scented. The red berry fruit is edible. The tree blooms from November to January in the southern hemisphere. Its wood is very hard and resistant to moisture. The bark is primarily used for tanning leather. It is valued as an ornamental and fruit-producing tree. Planted trees have thrived in northern California. Though rarely seen in Spain, it has adapted perfectly there.