Chilean bellflower, Copihue

A temperate plant. It is a hardy plant. It can stand light frosts. It needs a free draining soil and a neutral pH. It suits shady moist places. It suits hardiness zones 8-9. Arboretum Tasmania.

Also known as:

Copihue, Copiu, Kopiu

Synonyms

Lapageria alba Decne

Lapageria hookeri Bridges ex Hook.

Lapageria rosea var. albiflora Hook.

Lapageria rosea var. rubra Schelle

Edible Portion

Fruit

Where does Chilean bellflower grow?

Found in: Argentina, Australia, Britain, Chile, Peru, South America, Tasmania

Notes: This is the national flower of Chile. There is only one Lapageria species.

Status: It is a cultivated food plant.

Growing Chilean bellflower, Copihue

Cultivation: Plants can be grown from seed. These do not always breed true. Fresh seed should be sown. A temperature of 13-18°C is suitable. Seeds germinate better is soaked in warm water for 24 hours. Seeds can take 1-3 months to germinate. Seedlings grow slowly. Cuttings do not root easily and are slow to establish. Layering or suckers can be used. Plants should be spaced 45-60 cm apart. They can be allowed to grow up fences.

Edible Uses: The sweet fruit are eaten. The pulp is also processed. It can be used for desserts or juice.

Production: Plants produce fruit in one year from layered plants. Seedlings can take 7 years to flower and fruit.

Nutrition Info

per 100g edible portion

Edible Part	Energy (kcal)	Protein (g)	Iron (mg)	Vitamin A (ug)	Vitamin c (mg)	Zinc (mg)	% Water
	-	-	-	-	-	-

References

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Fl. peruv. 3:65, t. 297. 1802

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Velasquez, P. & Montenegro, G., 2017, Chilean Endemic/Native Plant Resources as Functional and Superfoods. Chp. 6 in Superfood and Functional Food - An Overview of Their Processing and Utilization