Lomatia hirsuta aka Radal

Lomatia hirsuta is an evergreen shrub or small tree. It belongs to the Proteaceae family. Its native range lies in South America. Kew records it from Ecuador to Peru, and Chile to southern Argentina. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. The RHS lists Lomatia obliqua as a synonym. That name refers to the same species, not a separate plant.

The species can reach about 26 feet [8 metres] tall. The supplied sources give no separate height range for garden plants. They also give no figure for its mature spread. It keeps its leaves through the year and develops woody growth. The species account does not describe leaf shape or bark texture. Nor does it give enough detail to describe flowers or fruit. The RHS provides those details for the genus, rather than this species.

This plant grows in temperate regions and tropical uplands. In the tropics, it occurs chiefly above 6,560 feet [2,000 metres]. In Peru, it inhabits low forest and scrub. Records there cover elevations of 8,200–11,480 feet [2,500–3,500 metres]. These records describe its wild habitat, not a required garden elevation. Useful Tropical Plants reports that it tolerates frost. Its account suggests a possible lower limit near −10°C. That estimate does not establish a precise hardiness zone.

For cultivation, choose soil that drains well. The cited account favours peaty soil with a pH of 5–6. This places its stated soil preference in the acidic range. Full sun and light, dappled shade both suit it. Give it shelter from cold winds that dry the plant. The evidence does not set out a watering schedule. It also gives no species-level account of pests or diseases. Growers can raise new plants from seed or cuttings. The listed cutting methods use softwood or semi-ripe growth.

People harvest wild trees for wood and dye. The brown timber has a history of furniture use in Chile. Sap from the bark supplies a dark brown cloth dye. These are documented material uses, rather than food uses. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known edible or medicinal uses. It also records no known hazards. That statement does not prove safety for people or pets. The supplied evidence gives no tested toxicity assessment.