Embothrium coccineum

Embothrium coccineum is a small tree that bears the name of Chilean Fire Tree. This is certainly due to its flamboyant red flowering, perhaps due to its ability to emerge from the ground after the passage of fire or its origins that border on the extreme south of Tierra del Fuego in Patagonia. In any case, it is a magnificent small tree that should thrive on the coast, with a mild climate and evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year. Its extraordinary flowering in large clusters of shining tubular flowers is perfectly enhanced by intense green foliage, more or less evergreen in winter.

Embothrium coccineum belongs to the protea family, widely represented in South African and Australian floras. This small tree is native to a vast area starting from the southern half of Chile, from the coast to the limit of the mountain zone, to the extreme south of Tierra del Fuego in Patagonia, sometimes up to 2,000 m (6561 feet 8 inches) above sea level. Capable of adapting to fairly diverse habitats, this species is however confined to poor, non-chalky, sandy or peaty and well-drained soil, as well as rather humid and mild climates.

This small tree has a bushy and at the same time upright and spreading, well-branched habit. Of moderately fast growth, it will reach an average height of 5.5 m (18 ft) with a spread of 2.20 m. The sturdy trunk has a grey bark covered with lenticels which give the appearance of horizontal stripes. The upright, fairly flexible branches bear glossy green foliage. Each leaf measures up to 12 cm (4.7 in) in length and 6 cm (2.4 in) in width with smooth, slightly wavy margins and a clear central vein. Evergreen in mild climates, the leaves fall from -7°C (19.4 °F). The plant dies below -10/-12°C (14/10.4 °F).

Flowering takes place in May-June. Concentrated towards the top of the tree, it appears in the form of clusters in the axils of the leaves. Each of these clusters, called corymbs, is formed of long tubular flowers measuring 3 to 5 cm (1.2 to 2 in) in length, borne on long peduncles. The flower consists of a tube ending in 4 lobes that twist at full bloom to release the pistil surrounded by 4 short and partially fused stamens. These flowers are scarlet red, sometimes tinged with yellow at their tips and highly nectar-rich. They attract certain species of hummingbirds in Chile that will come to pollinate them.

Particularly well-suited to mild coastal climates, some beautiful specimens of Embothrium coccineum can be admired where you find the mildness of winter and the summer humidity that allow it to flourish. This small tree deserves a place as a standalone in a garden of modest size, but can also create a sensation in a large shrub border if well accompanied: it will form an exotic and sumptuous association with evergreen ceanothus. Its shining flowering will also be enhanced by the silver foliage of eucalyptus or certain willows. In an exotic garden, it can be paired with Canary viper's bugloss, Aloe aristata, Callistemon and other Leptospermum.