Fabiana imbricata aka Pichi

Taxonomy

Genus Fabiana Family Solanaceae Order Solanales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Fabiana imbricata, also known as pichi, is a dense, mound-forming, evergreen shrub native to dry upland slopes in Chile and Argentina. It belongs to the Solanaceae family and can reach heights and widths of up to 2.5 meters. This frost-hardy plant has plume-like branches densely covered with dark green, needle-like leaves. In early summer, it produces small white to pale mauve tubular flowers along the stems. There is also a horticultural variety, F. imbricata f. violacea, which features masses of pale violet flowers and has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. F. imbricata is the type species for the Fabiana genus and is known for its traditional medicinal uses as a diuretic and digestive. Studies have shown its foliage to have a gastroprotective effect and there is ongoing interest in culturing the plant tissue to harvest secondary metabolites for further research. This long-lived shrub is widely distributed throughout South America, primarily through seed dispersal.

Common names

Pichi, Pichi Pichi

How to care for Pichi

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Pichi, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Lighting

Pichi requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Pichi Pichi is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Region of origin

Pichi’s native range is S. America - Chile.

More info:
Wikipedia