Coigue Nothofagus dombeyi
ABOUT
The Nothofagus dombeyi, commonly known as the Coigue, Coihue or Dombey's Beech, is a deciduous tree known for its striking appearance. It features a straight trunk with a greyish-brown bark that can develop deep furrows with age, giving it a rough texture. The branching pattern is typically upright and symmetrical, creating a well-defined, rounded crown that adds to its majestic look. The leaves of the Coigue are simple and alternate, with a glossy green top surface and a paler underside. Each leaf is shaped like a teardrop or oval and has a leathery texture. The edges of the leaves are finely toothed or serrated, which can be seen when looking at the leaf closely. During the spring and summer, the foliage offers lush greenery, and in autumn, the leaves can turn into a range of golden-yellow to browns before falling. This tree produces separate male and female flowers, which are inconspicuous. The male flowers tend to be long and hanging, while the female flowers are shorter and upright. After flowering, the Coigue bears fruit that is a small, woody capsule containing seeds. These fruits may dangle from the branches, adding a subtle textural interest to the tree's appearance. Overall, the Coigue is known for its sturdy and handsome look, with a prominent trunk and dense canopy of leathery, serrated leaves that give it a lush, evergreen appearance in regions where it remains evergreen throughout the year. Its beauty is often highlighted in landscapes and parks where it serves as a splendid specimen tree.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Coihue, Coigüe, Dombey's Beech, Chilean Beech, Southern Beech.
Common names
Fagus dombeyi, Nothofagus dombeyi var. macrantha, Nothofagus macrocarpa, Nothofagus nervosa.
ToxicityTo humans
Coihue is not commonly known for being toxic to humans. There is limited information suggesting any significant toxicity, and it is generally not listed among plants that have poisonous effects when touched or ingested by humans. However, as with many plants, individual allergies or sensitivities may exist, and consuming plant matter not typically recognized as food should be done with caution and generally avoided.
To pets
Coihue is not commonly recognized as a toxic plant to pets. There is a lack of significant evidence to suggest that it poses a threat to animals such as dogs or cats. As with humans, pets may have individual sensitivities, so it is always best to prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not a normal part of their diet to avoid any potential stomach upset or other issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
100 feet [30 meters]
Spread
70 feet [21 meters]
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Chile Argentina
Benefits
General Benefits- Ecosystem Support: Coihue trees serve as an important habitat for a variety of wildlife, offering shelter and food sources to birds, mammals, and insects.
- Carbon Sequestration: Like all trees, coihues capture and store carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.
- Soil Stabilization: The root system of the coihue helps prevent soil erosion, particularly in mountainous or sloped areas where they naturally grow.
- Water Regulation: Coihue forests play a role in maintaining the water cycle, ensuring regular rainfall and contributing to the health of watersheds.
- Cultural Significance: Coihue trees are often important to indigenous groups and local cultures, sometimes featuring in myths, traditions, or as a symbol of the region.
- Recreational Use: Coihue forests are popular destinations for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird-watching, and enjoying the natural scenery, contributing to human well-being and local tourism economies.
- Wood Production: The wood of the coihue is valuable and used for a variety of purposes such as construction, furniture-making, and crafting musical instruments.
- Aesthetic Value: With its impressive stature and deep green foliage, the coihue is prized for its natural beauty and is often used in landscaping and as an ornamental tree in parks and large gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Nothofagus dombeyi, commonly known as Coigue, can be used in woodworking and craft projects for its beautiful wood grain and color.
- The Coigue's wood is suitable for making musical instruments such as guitars and flutes, offering exceptional acoustic properties.
- Coigue tree bark can be utilized in tanning leather, providing tannins that are essential in the curing process of hides.
- Due to its density and durability, Coigue wood is often used for making long-lasting outdoor furniture and decking.
- The tree's large leaves are sometimes used in decorative arrangements or pressed into books for botanical collections.
- As a natural dye, the leaves and bark of the Coigue may be boiled to extract colors for textiles and crafts.
- Fallen Coigue leaves can serve as a natural mulch, providing nutrients to the soil as they decompose.
- Coigue wood shavings are prized as a high-quality material for pet bedding, especially in the care of small rodents and reptiles.
- The sawdust from Coigue wood can be employed in the creation of particleboard or as a component in eco-friendly building materials.
- Working with the Coigue's wood is known to produce an aromatic scent, making workshops pleasant and potentially reducing stress for artisans.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Nothofagus dombeyi, commonly known as the Coihue or the Chilean beech, is not typically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chilean beech is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: The Coihue, due to its ability to grow in diverse climates and withstand various environmental conditions, symbolizes endurance and the ability to persist through challenges.
- Growth: As Coihue trees can grow to impressive heights, they symbolize growth and the pursuit of one's ambitions steadily over time.
- Resilience: These trees, with their capacity to adapt and survive in volcanic ash and other difficult substrates, represent resilience in the face of adversity.
- Nature's Majesty: The Coihue's grandeur and significance in its native ecosystems symbolize the majesty and wonder of the natural world.
- Longevity: Coihues have long lifespans, making them a symbol of longevity and a life well-lived, with deep roots in one's heritage and past.
WaterFor the Chilean beech, water deeply once a week, providing about 2-3 gallons for young trees and 5-7 gallons for mature trees. Increase the frequency to twice a week during dry spells or hot weather. It's important to water the base of the tree, avoiding the leaves to minimize the risk of fungal diseases. Young trees need consistent moisture, so check the soil moisture regularly and adjust watering accordingly. Always allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering.
LightThe Chilean beech thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location for this tree is a spot where it will receive several hours of direct sunlight daily, but it will also tolerate some shade, especially in the hottest parts of the day. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to sparse foliage and poor growth.
TemperatureThe Chilean beech does well in a range of temperatures, with the ideal growing range between 60°F and 70°F. It can survive in winter temperatures down to around 20°F but may suffer damage or die if exposed to temperatures below this threshold. It is a hardy species up to USDA Zone 8, meaning it can handle occasional cold snaps, but sustained freezing temperatures are detrimental.
PruningPruning the Chilean beech is essential to maintain its shape and health, remove dead or diseased wood, and promote air circulation. Prune during the dormant season, late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any crossing branches and thin out dense areas. Pruning once a year is usually sufficient, but regular checks for deadwood can be done seasonally.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Coihue or Chilean beech (Nothofagus dombeyi) thrives in a well-draining soil mix, such as a blend of loam, peat, and sand at a ratio of 2:2:1. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels, around 5.5 to 7.
RepottingCoihue or Chilean beech should be repotted every two to three years to prevent root binding and to replenish soil nutrients.
Humidity & MistingCoihue or Chilean beech requires moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 60% and 80%, to mirror its natural humid forest habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Coihue in bright, indirect light with good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant Coihue in partial shade with shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA.
Life cycleNothofagus dombeyi, commonly known as the Coihue or Dombey's Beech, begins its life cycle when the seeds are dispersed by wind, animals, or gravity. After landing in a suitable location, the seeds germinate, provided there is enough moisture and the temperature conditions are favorable. The seedling stage involves initial growth where the plant develops its root system and the first leaves, which enable photosynthesis. As the plant grows into a sapling, it continues to develop a stronger stem and a more extensive leaf canopy to capture sunlight efficiently. The tree reaches maturity and begins to reproduce, developing flowers that are wind-pollinated, leading to the production of seeds within a fruit. With a mature Coihue tree able to live for centuries, it continues this reproductive cycle annually, shedding seeds each season and ensuring the continuation of the species.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for Nothofagus dombeyi, commonly known as the Coihue or the Chilean beech, involves using seeds. The best time for seed propagation is in the spring, after the last frost. Fresh seeds are sown in well-draining, sandy soil, at a depth of approximately 1/8 inch (about 3 millimeters). To ensure optimal germination, the seeds may require stratification, a process of cold treatment to simulate natural conditions that the seeds would experience through winter. Once sown, the seeds need consistent moisture and should be placed in a bright, sheltered spot with indirect sunlight. Germination can be slow and erratic, sometimes taking several months. Seedlings are delicate and should only be transplanted after they've grown a robust root system and are large enough to handle without damage.