Toxicologica trivia from March 05: Luma apiculata (Chilean myrtle) is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family, native to the central Andes between Chile and Argentina, at 33 to 45° south latitude. Growing to 10–15 m (33–49 ft) tall and wide, it is a vigorous, bushy, evergreen tree with fragrant flowers. Its fruit is appreciated in Chile and Argentina and its flowers are important for honey production. The Chilean myrtle has medicinal uses for the Mapuche people. It is also kept as bonsai and cultivated in gardens for the contrast of the glossy foliage and slender red stems. It has become naturalised in parts of Ireland and western Great Britain and it has been planted in Spain. Common names include: a) Arrayán (from a Spanish name for the related European myrtle);b) Kelümamüll (orange-wood) (the Mapuche Native American name), shortleaf stopper, palo colorado and temu. c) All previous names are correct.