Lenga (Nothofagus pumilio)

Family: Fagaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Nothofagus pumilio is a deciduous Tree growing to 40 m (131ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Sap/Syrup, Bark/Inner Bark

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The sap and scrapings are eaten in spring. The term scrapings probably refers to the inner bark. Inner bark is often dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickener in soups etc or added to cereals when making bread. — The sap and scrapings are eaten in spring.; The term scrapings probably refers to the inner bark.; Inner bark is often dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickener in soups etc or added to cereals when making bread.

Habitat & North American Range

Dominant or co-dominant in deciduous forest on better drained sites and well developed soils from sea level to 1800 metres. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)