Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Salix chilensis Molina var. fastigiata

The species is a small, deciduous tree, to 10m. Crown conical or spreading; branches long, drooping. Trunk often bent, 12 inches or more in diameter, and unbranched for 6m. Bark reddish or dark brown with a grayish tinge, fairly smooth or with long, coarse fissures ; inner bark fibrous and is used for cordage. Leaves lanceolate; foliage much lighter and brighter green than is usual in tropical trees. [Williams – Fieldiana, Botany series vol.15, Woods of Northeastern Peru p.68/1936].  The variety fastigiata is an upright tree with a narrow, elongated habit, similar to the Lombardy poplar.

Horticultural & Botanical History

Figured in Flora Brasiliensis as Salix humboldtiana [Martius - Flora Brasiliensis vol.4, pt.1, t.71/1840-1906].

Introduced to Britain in 1823.  [PD].  At one time a common decorative tree.

History at Camden Park

Listed only in the 1857 catalogue [T.918/1857].

Notes

A weed in parts of Queensland.

Published Mar 26, 2010 - 04:51 PM | Last updated Aug 13, 2010 - 01:28 PM

The drawing shows male and female shoots with lance-shaped leaves and catkins.  Flora Brasiliensis vol.4, pt.1, t.71, 1840-1906.

Salix chilensis Molina | Martius - Flora Brasiliensis vol.4, pt.1, t.71/1840-1906 | BHL

Family Salicaceae
Category
Region of origin

Chile

Synonyms
  • Salix humboldtiana Willd.
  • Salix humboldtiana f. fastigiata (André) C.K.Schneid. 
Common Name

Pencil willow

Name in the Camden Park Record

Salix fastigiata 

Confidence level high