Plaza de Armas, Santiago - Chile		Chile is an exceptional territory located on the west coast of the South American continent, enclosed between the Andes on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west. Having been so zealously guarded by these great sentinels for centuries, its vegetation has remained isolated and away from any influence from the rest of the continent. This has generated a large variety of genetically one-of-a-kind species, unique in the world. The intense cold, long dry spells, and rainy seasons have molded these plants to survive in extremely harsh environments. Our idea is to have these species introduced and cultivated in other parts of the world where the many advantages they offer can be enjoyed as they are in Chile. We would also like such species to be preserved for future generations, in different corners of the planet. Plants have been used by native populations as an age-old source of medicine, animal forage, natural fabric dyes and food. The seeds presented below are free from any sale prohibitions, have a corresponding certificate from the plant sanitation department, and have been collected between March and May this year.
	My family and I make trips to remote areas of Santiago in search of vigorous plants and seeds. During these trips we usually take pictures of places very few people have visited. We also have specialized books on native Chilean flora in Spanish, which may be shipped upon request. If you are looking for a special type of seed, tree or flower from the South of the Andes please contact us. Raul Farias Garate.

Thorn Tree
(Acacia Caven)

The thorn tree is a robust tree whose tiny deep green leaves fold together at night. Its fragrant yellow flowers give it unrivalled beauty in spring. This rapidly growing tree can withstand both heat and cold. Its seeds germinate in three or four months. Thorn tree wood is so sturdy that it is used to make cart wheels and carved wood furniture.
Its bark is rich in tannin, used as a tea, recommended for bruises, wounds and ulcers.

Arrayan Raran (of the Myrtle family),
(Myrceugenia Obtusa)

These trees grow in the central area of Chile. They are highly resistant to cold climates. They are slow- growth hard wood trees. They have a distinct fragrance. Their branches can be guided to form perfect natural walking sticks, which are very resistant and sturdy. Their fruit is edible, and for medicinal purposes they are recommended for cavity prevention.

Chilean Mesquite
(Prosopis Chilensis)

This thorny, deciduous leaf tree can easily grow in poor soils with little water. Its fruit is a bean used to feed animals. Its wood is extremely hard and is widely used to manufacture objects for work in agriculture. It grows fast and is ideal for afforesting dry areas. For medicinal purposes, it is recommended for eye infections. This tree is mainly used to feed cattle, given the high sugar content of its pods. Its pods are edible as syrup. Its roasted seeds are used as a coffee substitute.

Maqui
(Aristotelia Chilensis)

Evergreen shrub with red stalks. It can grow up to three or four meters high and can withstand cold climates. It prefers humid dark areas. Its bark is used to manufacture musical instruments. Its black berries are edible, and have a pleasant sour sweet flavor. They are used to dye fabrics. For medicinal purposes, it is recommended for sore throat. It is a very rapid-growth vigorous shrub.

Peumo
(Cryptocarpya Alba)

Evergreen highly aromatic tree with shiny leaves and slow growth which can reach a height of 10 meters, Its hard wood is used as firewood and to make charcoal. Its fruit is edible and very aromatic. For medicinal purposes it is used for the relief of liver complaints.

Quillay
(Quillaja Saponaria)

Evergreen, rapid-growth tree with shiny leaves and flexible branches, which is highly resistant to cold climates. It is ideal for afforesting the slopes of hills. Its roots hold down the soil and protect against erosion caused by rainfall. It is mainly used to make shampoos. A natural soap highly recommended as a shampoo is obtained by soaking its leaves and bark in water. When its leaves fall to the ground and decompose they improve the soil, transforming wasteland into better-quality soil. It can withstand cold and dry climates.

Litri (Litre)
(Lithraea Caustica)

A very peculiar tree with great foliage. Its bluish leaves are slightly dark. It has large and strong roots, which allow it to grow in very steep terrain, helping hold down the soil of hillsides and mountain slopes. Contact with its leaves produces allergic reactions in some people. Its very hard, dry wood is used in ship building.

Boldo
(Peumus Boldus)

Beautiful tree that has rigid, evergreen, leaves with a distinct aroma. It’s a slow-growth species, which can grow up to three meters and has many branches. Its leaves are used for medicinal purposes for the cure and relief of liver and stomach complaints.

Shagual (Chagual)
(Puya Chilensis)

Thorny plant with, dense clusters of flowers, which grows up to one or two meters high. Its flower-covered branches are very attractive to bees. Its tender leaves are eaten in salads. It grows in coastal and mountain regions. It’s a rapid growth plant, which forms great clumps, on hillsides. It bears a large number of small seeds and adapts to dry and cold areas. For medicinal purposes it is recommended for the relief of fever-related discomfort. Its sap is used to make honey-like syrup.

Custard Apple
(Annona cherimolia)

Three to four-meter high Andean tree. It bears a highly aromatic and tasty large fruit, of white flesh. It cannot withstand cold climates or poor soils. It grows very rapidly. Its fruit is considered a delicacy and is used to make icecream and creams. Ideal for hot Mediterranean areas.

Peruvian Pepper Tree
(Schinus Molle)

High-growth evergreen tree which grows in the Atacama desert. It gives out a characteristic smell and lots of resin when its branches are cut off. It lives long and its trunk can become very wide. Ideal for areas with little water and lots of sun. Its seeds are used as a spice in Andean cuisine. It is similar to black pepper. For medicinal purposes, its leaves are used to strengthen the gums and clean teeth.

Papaya
(Caricia Papaya)

A very special two to three-meter tall tree, which is cultivated in hot coastal climate areas. It does not withstand frost. Its has a fibrous trunk, with green shiny leaves and resembles a small palm tree. Flowers and fruit grow beneath its leaves. Its bright yellow fruit is very aromatic and has a pleasant taste. Once cooked it is used to make delicious desserts. In natural medicine its seeds are cooked and ground to get rid of intestinal worms.

Chilean Palm (Jubaeas Chilensis)   (see Chilean Palm page)

INTRODUCED SEEDS

Gingko
(Gingko Biloba)

The sole survivor of the Jurassic period this ancient tree is well suited for cold climates. Its small fan-shaped leaves turn yellow at the beginning of fall. This species has male and female types. The female types bear a large number of seeds and a plum-like fruit at the end of summer. It may also be reproduced from cuttings.

Avocado
(persea Gratissima)

Four to five-meter tall tree with evergreen shiny leaves, fragile branches and bright pink-colored wood. Its fruit is edible and highly acceptable. It may bear green and black fruits and does not withstand heavy frost. It prefers warm regions and well-fertilized soil. In very cold regions it is cultivated indoors. It grows well in coastal climates. For medicinal purposes, its leaves are used for colds and cough relief.

Corn (Maize)
(Zea Mays)

Beautiful yearly plant which grows in spring and has been known since the discovery of America. Today, a large variety of hybrid genetically manipulated seeds are produced. In our country Andean plantations which date back to the times of the Incas may still be found. They produce different shades of red, brown, yellow and black corn.

Prickly Pear
(Opuntia Vulgaris)

This plant is perfectly suited for dry areas and poor soils. It bears a sweet edible fruit with a pleasant taste, which is used to make juice. It is recommended for the afforestation of dry land, hillsides and very sunny areas. It thrives when irrigation water is available and can grow from seeds and branch cuttings, by direct planting in soil.

OUR PRODUCTS

Seeds for individuals or collectors.
We ship 50 units of each species. You may choose 4 varieties for US$100.
Seed for farmers, wholesale nurseries, and universities.
We ship the seeds by kilogram via express mail to your home.
Please contact us to help you calculate the amount you need.