Chilean holly Desfontainia spinosa
ABOUT
Commonly known as the Chilean holly, the plant is an evergreen shrub that catches the eye with its glossy, dark green leaves which are pointed at the tips, resembling those of a holly plant. The foliage is arranged opposite each other along the stem, contributing to a dense and textured appearance. The Chilean holly's blossoms are particularly distinctive. The flowers are tubular-shaped, with bold and striking hues of red and yellow, often hanging in small clusters, nodding gently as if in greeting. These colorful blooms add a splash of brightness to the lush greenery of the plant. Adding to its beauty, the plant may also bear fruit that is small and berry-like, typically featuring hues that range from blue to black, providing a contrast to the foliage and creating visual interest. Overall, the Chilean holly is a plant that displays a vibrant mix of color and form.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Desfontainiaceae.
Synonyms
Holly-leafed Barberry, Taique, Chilean Holly.
Common names
Desfontainia rupestris, Desfontainia spinosa var. hookeri, Desfontainia spinosa var. rupestris.
ToxicityTo humans
Chilean Holly is known to be toxic to humans due to the presence of tropane alkaloids in its tissues. These alkaloids can cause anticholinergic symptoms if ingested, including dry mouth, blurred vision, hallucinations, confusion, and convulsions. Ingesting any part of Chilean Holly, particularly in significant quantities, could lead to these symptoms and may require medical attention.
To pets
Chilean Holly is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats, because it contains tropane alkaloids. If a pet ingests parts of this plant, symptoms similar to those in humans may occur, such as gastrointestinal upset, central nervous disturbance, difficulty in coordination, and an increased heart rate. In severe cases, ingestion could lead to seizures or coma, and immediate veterinary care would be necessary to treat the pet.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow-red
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape and ornamental value: Desfontainia spinosa, commonly known as Taique, is known for its holly-like evergreen foliage and bright red-orange tubular flowers which add aesthetic value to gardens.
- Habitat for wildlife: The flowers of Taique provide nectar for hummingbirds and other pollinators, while the dense foliage offers shelter for small birds and insects.
- Erosion control: Taique's deep and extensive root system helps stabilize soil on slopes, reducing the risk of landslides and soil erosion.
- Cultural significance: In some regions, Taique holds cultural value and is used in traditional ceremonies or as part of local folklore.
- Drought tolerance: Adapted to various conditions, Taique is considered drought-tolerant once established, making it suited for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
Medical Properties- Analgesic: Traditionally used for pain relief.
- Anti-inflammatory: May help reduce inflammation.
- Antipyretic: Used to treat fever.
- Sedative: Has been used to induce calmness and sleep.
- Antispasmodic: May relieve muscle spasms.
- Emetic: Historically utilized to induce vomiting in certain treatments.
- Gastrointestinal disorder remedy: Sometimes used for treating digestive system disorders.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ornamental Garden Plant: Desfontainia spinosa, commonly known as "Taique", is used as an ornamental shrub in gardens for its attractive holly-like foliage and tubular red flowers with yellow tips.
- Dye Production: The bark of the Taique plant has been historically used to produce red and yellow dyes for textiles.
- Bee Attractant: The flowers of Taique can attract bees and serve as a food source for nectar-gathering insects, promoting pollinator biodiversity.
- Religious and Cultural Symbolism: In some cultures, the Taique plant is used in rituals or as a symbol due to its distinctive appearance.
- Boundary Hedge: Taique can be grown as a dense hedging plant due to its bushy growth habit, providing a natural boundary for property lines.
- Windbreak: The thick foliage of Taique makes it suitable for planting as a windbreak to protect more delicate plants and reduce soil erosion.
- Privacy Screen: Its dense growth makes it an effective plant for creating a privacy screen in residential gardens or patios.
- Frost Resistant: Because of its hardiness, Taique can be used in gardens in colder regions where it can withstand frost and cold temperatures.
- Wildlife Habitat: The dense foliage offers shelter and breeding sites for certain species of birds and small mammals.
- Education and Research: Due to its unique botanical characteristics, Desfontainia spinosa might be used in educational institutions for research or as a teaching plant in botany courses.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Desfontainia spinosa, commonly known as Chilean holly, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chilean holly is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience - Desfontainia spinosa, commonly known as the "Taique," grows in harsh environments, symbolizing the ability to withstand challenging conditions and adversity.
- Uniqueness - The striking appearance of Taique's flowers, with their unusual shape and vibrant colors, represents standing out and celebrating uniqueness.
- Protection - Indigenous to the Andes, where it is traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits, the Taique symbolizes protection and spiritual safeguarding.
- Healing - The Taique's medicinal properties, historically used to treat various ailments, symbolize healing and the nurturing of health.
WaterThe Chilean holly should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. During the summer growing season, you may need to increase the frequency to maintain evenly moist soil, but be careful not to overwater. Each watering session should involve slowly pouring water until it begins to run out of the bottom of the pot, which could be approximately half a gallon for a medium-sized plant. Reduce the amount of water in the winter months when the plant is not actively growing. It's vital to ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
LightThe Chilean holly thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate partial shade. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the harsh midday hours, as it can scorch the leaves. A spot near a north-facing window or a position shaded by sheer curtains in a south or west-facing room would be ideal.
TemperatureThe Chilean holly prefers cooler conditions and can tolerate temperatures ranging from 25 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for optimal growth would be around 50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Protect it from frost and avoid exposure to extreme temperature fluctuations which can stress the plant.
PruningPrune the Chilean holly to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. It's best to prune in the late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. Pruning can be done once a year, or as needed, to remove any dead or damaged branches and to thin out dense areas that inhibit light and airflow. Use clean, sharp pruning tools to make precise cuts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilChilean Holly thrives in acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. The best soil mix is a blend of peat, perlite, and organic matter ensuring good drainage and aeration.
RepottingChilean Holly should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingChilean Holly prefers high humidity conditions, ideally between 60% and 80% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleDesfontainia spinosa, commonly known as the Taique, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in moist, well-drained soil, typically in partial shade environments. Upon sprouting, the seedling grows into a juvenile plant with glossy green leaves, and throughout this vegetative stage it develops a robust root system and starts to form a bushy habit. As the Taique matures, it produces distinctive tubular, yellow and red flowers mainly during summer, which are pollinated by insects, leading to the production of small berries. These berries contain seeds, which are dispersed by birds and other animals, thus completing the cycle of propagation. The Taique is an evergreen shrub, so after reaching maturity, it maintains its foliage year-round, though older leaves may be shed and replaced by new growth. The plant continues to grow and produce flowers and fruit annually, provided it receives the appropriate care and conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Desfontainia spinosa, also known as the Chilean holly or Taique, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This propagation technique involves taking cuttings from the plant during the summer months when the new growth has started to harden. The cuttings, typically between 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 centimeters), should include a few leaves and be taken just below a leaf node. To encourage rooting, the bottom of the cuttings can be dipped in rooting hormone powder before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. High humidity and consistent, but not excessive, moisture are crucial for the successful rooting of these cuttings. It can take several weeks for roots to develop, and during this time, the cuttings should be kept in a warm environment with indirect sunlight.