About Escallonia myrtilloides L.fil.
Escallonia myrtilloides L.fil. grows as a tree or shrub reaching 2 to 6 metres (6 ft 7 in – 19 ft 8 in) in height. It has an irregular to conical crown, with branches that grow almost horizontally, giving the plant the appearance of a Chinese pagoda. Its leaves are dark green, leathery, and obovate, measuring 0.8–2.3 centimetres (0.31–0.91 in) long and 0.4–1 centimetre (0.16–0.39 in) wide. The leaves are borne on short twigs. Its inflorescences form corymbs 1–1.5 centimetres (0.39–0.59 in) long, and the flowers are greenish white to pale yellow. The fruits are green, around 0.6 centimetres (0.24 in) wide, and contain numerous seeds. This species occurs in high Andean wet forests, open areas, and paramos, and it is often a dominant species on rocky slopes. It produces reddish wood that is resistant to tension and shocks and dries easily. This makes it useful for construction of fences and for woodcrafts. Due to its distinctive crown shape, it has ornamental value, and it is also commonly used for hedges.
