Desfontainea spinosa

The Desfontainea spinosa, also known as Taique in Chile or simply Chilean Holly, is a coastal climate bush with evergreen foliage that naturally grows throughout the Andes mountain range from Costa Rica to the southernmost part of Chile. It belongs to the Loganiaceae family.

Its glossy and spiny leaves indeed resemble those of holly. At the end of each branch, you can find a single flower with a sun-yellow and scarlet tubular corolla and a slight scent of honey. The flowering can be enjoyed for several months, from late July to October. After that, small green, oblong, and tapering berries are formed.

The Desfontainea spinosa naturally has a round shape and a very compact habit. Under good conditions and at ripeness, it will reach a height and width of 2 metres: to achieve this, it should be planted in moist and well-drained soil on acidic and humus-rich terrain.

Hardy up to -8°C, the Desfontainea spinosa grows well in sandy soils if properly improved with humus. Although it is highly resistant to sea spray, this plant does not tolerate cold winds very well. As a result, it is not suited to limestone soil. However, it can be planted in your garden near the sea. It looks especially beautiful when planted alone, but it can also be used as part of a flowering hedge.

South American shamans use the flower of the Desfontainea spinosa in preparations that allow them to connect with spirits. It is sometimes used to make a very bright yellow dye.