Chilean holly (taique) Desfontainia spinosa
Chilean holly (taique) (Desfontainia spinosa) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Columelliaceae family, native to Cool rainforests of the Andes, from Colombia to southern Chile. It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
Plan Chilean holly (taique) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Chilean holly (taique) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Columelliaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6 |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 26 °C (79 °F) |
| Flowering | about 156–261 weeks after planting, for 9–14 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Cool rainforests of the Andes, from Colombia to southern Chile |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
Is Chilean holly (taique) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: leaves
Leaves were used by Mapuche shamans as a hallucinogen; poisonous, do not eat.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Chilean holly (taique)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With English lavender: Acid-loving plants need pH 4.5–5.5, lavender prefers neutral to alkaline soil; one bed cannot suit both. Evidence B
Questions about Chilean holly (taique)
- How far apart should I plant Chilean holly (taique)?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
- Does Chilean holly (taique) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Chilean holly (taique) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Chilean holly (taique)?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Chilean holly (taique) flower?
- About 156–261 weeks after planting, for 9–14 weeks.
- Is Chilean holly (taique) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people moderately toxic. Leaves were used by Mapuche shamans as a hallucinogen; poisonous, do not eat.
- What grows well with Chilean holly (taique)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Chilean holly (taique). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Looks like a holly with spiny, glossy leaves, but bears long, waxy scarlet tubes tipped with yellow from summer to autumn, pollinated in Chile by the green-backed firecrown hummingbird. Needs cool, moist, acid soil and humid air, so it thrives in western Ireland and Scotland.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens
- Oleander Nerium oleander
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Camellia Camellia japonica
- Gardenia Gardenia jasminoides
- Common lilac Syringa vulgaris