Chile is a country rich in biodiversity, and one of the natural treasures it has are its numerous native trees. These trees are not only important to the ecology of the region, but also play a vital role in local crafts. Each species of tree native to Chile has unique qualities that artisans take advantage of to create beautiful pieces. Some of the notable trees are:
1. Araucaria (Araucaria araucana)
The Araucaria, also known as pewen either Pine tree Araucanian, is a tree emblematic perennial of Chili. Can arrive to measure fifty m of height, has leaves in shape of needle and its fruits, called pinions, are used as a fountain of food traditional and a subject cousin essential for the manufacturing of jewelry and objects decorative. The araucaria is a species of slow development and long life, reaching further of thousand years. The species this protected in big areas of conservation so much in Argentina as in Chile, where also was declared monument natural and this forbidden cut them down.
2.Coigüe (Nothofagus dombeyi)
The Coihue is an evergreen tree with dark brown-gray bark, found in the southern part of Chile and southwestern Argentina. Its light yellow wood is hard and resistant, which is why it is highly valued in local crafts. Craftsmen use it to create furniture and carved decorative and utilitarian objects. It can reach a height of 35 m and remain standing for up to 600 years.
3. Rauli (Nothofagus alpine)
He Rauli is a tree that HE finds mostly in the forests of the south of Chile (Region of the Maule and Region of the Biobío) and Argentina (Province of Neuquen). Can measure up Four. Five m of height and his trunk achieves 2 m either further of diameter. His wood, of color reddish and texture uniform, is very appreciated in the craft local. The artisans they use the wood _ Rauli for the manufacturing of furniture, instruments musicals and objects decorative. Known also by his durability, is perfect for parts of high worth artisanal and for all guy of buildings, especially for rucas either cabins.
4.Laurel (Laurelia sempervirens)
The Chilean Laurel, also known as tihue or trihue, is a large native perennial tree that grows in the humid forests of Chile. It is found from the O'Higgins region to the Los Lagos region. Its wood, pale yellow in color and fine grain, is appreciated in crafts, especially in the manufacture of musical instruments such as guitars and flutes for its resonance and sound qualities, which makes it a preferred choice for musicians and luthiers. For the Huilliches, the laurel is a "sacred plant" and they use it to make the lepún bows, during visits to Grandpa Huenteao (mediator between the Huilliche people and their divinities) and in other religious ceremonies. The flowers, leaves and bark are used in folk medicine and are also used to dye wool green.
5.Hualle (Nothofagus glauca)
The hualle, also known as coyán, pellín, Neuquén oak or oak; It is a tree that inhabits the temperate forests of Chile and Argentina. It reaches a size of up to 50 meters in height and 2 m in diameter. It grows in deep soils and usually at low altitude. Sometimes it forms pure forests, but it is more often associated with laurel and lingue. The young tree, called "hualle" in Chile, has light tones and is used in the manufacture of different products, such as: floors, coverings, moldings, doors and windows and kitchen objects. The oldest trees, known as "pellín", stand out for their hardness and resistance to humidity, which is why they are frequently used in the construction of posts, beams, high-end furniture and stakes. One way to differentiate the two at first glance is their color, the hualle being a light yellowish color while the pellín is a reddish tone.
The diversity of Chilean flora offers artisans a wide range of options to create unique and authentic pieces that reflect the country's natural wealth. Chilean crafts, with their connection to the land and local culture, continue to thrive thanks to the wise and responsible use of these natural resources. At Cordillerana we share the work of artisans who carve some of these woods with great dedication and care. We invite you to discover the “wood” collection, where you can find wankos, plates, hanging birds and much more.
