Laurelia sempervirens aka Chilean Laurel

Laurelia sempervirens, or Chilean laurel, is an evergreen tree from central and southern Chile. It belongs to the Atherospermataceae family. Other names include Peruvian nutmeg and tepa. It grows in forests, deep gullies, and creek beds. These sites have moist or wet soil. It can form almost pure stands within mixed evergreen forests. Useful Tropical Plants reports a Near Threatened assessment from 2013. Timber harvest threatens trees in the northern part of its range.

In gardens, it forms an upright shrub or small tree. Its crown has a cone shape and dense foliage. The trunk is often straight. RHS lists heights above 39 feet [12 metres] and spreads above 26 feet [8 metres]. Wild trees can reach 98 feet [30 metres]. Garden trees often stay much smaller than this wild maximum. RHS gives a maturity period of 10–20 years. Its year-round crown provides structure in landscape planting.

The broad, oval leaves have toothed edges. Young leaves look bright green and glossy. Older leaves turn dark green and develop a leathery feel. Crushing the leaves releases a strong scent. Small yellow-green flowers grow in clusters at the leaf axils. They appear in early summer. Insects pollinate the flowers, and the tree is not self-fertile. Sources record food uses for both fruit and seed. They give no detailed account of their shape or ripening season.

Grow this tree in sun or partial shade. Choose a warm site with shelter from cold winds. It needs soil with moderate fertility that stays moist. Do not let it dry out during the growing season. RHS lists clay and loam, across acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. It accepts both well-drained and poorly drained moist sites. RHS rates it H4; PFAF lists USDA zones 8–11. It needs little pruning and generally has few pest or disease problems. Grow new plants from seed or summer semi-ripe heel cuttings.

The scented foliage suits a woodland garden setting. PFAF records the bark and leaves as spices. It also records fruit and seed use, plus several traditional medicinal uses. These reports do not establish medical benefit. Sources list no known hazards, rather than confirmed safety for all uses. People use the wood for building, though it lacks durability. It also burns as fuel but gives little heat.