Copihue

Description:

It is the only species of the genus Lapageria, being a perennial vine that can exceed 10 meters high to climb over shrubs and trees. Its stems are twisted, flexible and resilient, while its leaves are oval shaped and are hard. On the outside, are dark green and inside is a little clearer. A classic flower, deep red (although there may be varieties of pink, white and ivory) is bell shaped and consists of 6 tepals (3 internal and 3 external) and 6 stamens. The flower can measure up to 15 centimeters long and 10 wide. The copihue reproduces by seed and by layering selected classes and cutting. Because of its slow (it takes 10 years to flower) and its high commercial value, copihue is in danger of extinction, being declared "protected species" by the Forest Act

Habitat:

It grows in humid forests of central and southern Chile, between Valparaiso and Fresia.

Notes:

is our national flower of Chile icon