Embothrium coccineum var. lanceolatum

Embothrium coccineum Lanceolatum Group is a little-known tree aptly named the Chilean Fire Tree or Chilean Fire Shrub. Is it because of its magnificent flowering, with an unstoppable fiery red, its ability to emerge from the ground after a fire, or its origins that border on the extreme south of Tierra del Fuego in Patagonia? In any case, it is a magnificent and rare small tree, adorned with elegant narrow and glossy foliage, and adorned in spring with an extraordinary flowering of large clusters of tubular, scarlet flowers. This plant is worth the effort: hardy down to -12°C (10.4 °F) in well-drained soil and sheltered exposure, it likes acidic, cool, light soils, and coastal mildness.

Embothrium coccineum belongs to the proteaceae family, widely represented in South African and Australian floras. This small tree is native to a vast area ranging from the southern half of Chile, from the coast to the limit of the mountains, to the extreme south of Tierra del Fuego in Patagonia, sometimes up to 2000 metres (6561 feet 8 inches) altitude. Capable of adapting to quite diverse habitats, this species is still restricted to poor, non-chalky, sandy or peaty and filtering soils, as well as rather humid and mild climates.

The cultivar named 'Lanceolatum Group' is actually considered a subspecies distinguished from the type by the narrowness of its leaves. This small tree has a bushy habit, both upright and spreading, with well-branched vegetation. It grows at a moderately fast rate, reaching an average height of 5.5 m (18 ft) with a spread of 2.20 m (7 ft 2 in). The stout trunk is covered with grey bark covered with lenticels that give the appearance of horizontal stripes. The upright, flexible branches, bear foliage with a bluish-green to dark green lustre. Each lanceolate leaf measures up to 12 cm (4.7 in) in length and 2 cm (0.8 in) in width, is smooth with slightly wavy edges and a clear central vein. Evergreen in mild climates, the leaves fall at -7°C (19.4 °F).

In May-June, flower clusters appear in the axils of the leaves, mostly towards the top of the tree. Each of these clusters, called a corymb, is composed of long tubular flowers measuring 3 to 5 cm (1.2 to 2 in) in length, carried by long peduncles. The flower consists of a tube ending in 4 lobes that twist at full bloom to release the pistil surrounded by 4 short and partially fused stamens. These scarlet-red flowers, sometimes tinged with yellow at their tips, are nectar-rich and attract certain species of hummingbirds in Chile that will pollinate them.

Particularly suited to mild coastal climates, one can admire some beautiful specimens of Embothrium coccineum Lanceolatum Group where it finds the mildness of winter and the summer humidity that allow it to flourish. This small tree deserves a place as a standalone specimen in a garden of modest size, but can also create a stir in a large shrub group if well accompanied: it will complement evergreen ceanothuses or the Jacaranda mimosifolia, an association as exotic as it is sumptuous. Its dazzling flowering will also be highlighted by the silver foliage of Eucalyptus or certain willows. In an exotic garden it can be associated with proteas, Canary viper's bugloss, Aloe aristata, Melianthus major or palm trees, as well as Callistemon and Leptospermum.