Olivillo
aextoxicon punctatum
Also known as: ["Chilean olive","Evergreen olive"]
Overview
Aextoxicon punctatum is an evergreen tree native to Chile and Argentina, known for its glossy leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers followed by black berries.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Aextoxicales |
| Family: | Aextoxicaceae |
| Genus: | Aextoxicon |
| Botanical Name: | Aextoxicon punctatum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: protected outdoor location with dappled light
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter; can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light to prevent scorching; protect from direct midday sun; adjust indoor placement to mimic natural dappled light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun with protection from intense afternoon sun
Avoid direct afternoon sun; rotate plant for even growth; provide shade during peak summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter
pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).
Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 50–75°F (10–24°C); thrives in cool, temperate climates; protect from extreme heat or cold.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; keep away from heating/cooling vents; maintain consistent cool temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a balanced formula.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings with a node; can also be propagated by seed, though less common.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting with a node, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F).
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus soil.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, humidity dome, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning and heading back to promote airflow and light penetration.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased branches.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears, bypass pruners, sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune dead/damaged branches, shape the plant, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out circling roots; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot; beneficial for root health and growth.
Checklist
Prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensure water penetrates deeply to reach the root ball, allow excess water to drain completely, water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt, turn brown, or drop; growth slows or halts; risk of frost damage.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate roots with mulch, avoid cold drafts, protect from frost.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced growth, or leaf drop due to excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicAextoxicon punctatum is toxic to cats when ingested, as the plant contains substances that can cause serious health issues. The toxins affect the digestive and nervous systems, leading to adverse reactions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIngestion of Aextoxicon punctatum by dogs can lead to severe toxic effects due to the presence of harmful compounds. These toxins disrupt normal bodily functions, causing gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicAextoxicon punctatum contains toxic compounds that can cause significant physiological distress upon ingestion. The toxins interfere with normal cellular functions, leading to gastrointestinal and neurological disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Aextoxicon punctatum suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it is best suited for outdoor landscapes due to its size and growth requirements.
Q: Does Aextoxicon punctatum produce edible fruits?
A: The berries are not commonly consumed by humans, though they are sometimes eaten by wildlife.
Q: How fast does Aextoxicon punctatum grow?
A: It has a moderate growth rate, typically reaching heights of 20–30 meters over many years.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Aextoxicaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun with |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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