The Andean walnut thrives in temperate climates and is well-suited to high-altitude regions, typically above 2,500 meters. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from -3°C to 40°C.
Andean walnut
Juglans neotropica, also known as Andean walnut or Ecuadorian walnut, is a fast-growing evergreen tree native to the Andes. It can reach heights of around 30 meters and has large black-shelled walnuts with thick shells. The timber of this tree is highly valued for its hardness and is used in cabinet making and carving.
Juglans neotropica
Ecuador
- The Juglans neotropica is also known as the Andean walnut, nogal, or Ecuadorian walnut. - It belongs to the grouping of nuts and is classified under the genus Walnuts. - It is a fast-growing, evergreen tree native to the Andes, reaching a height of around 30 m. - In New Zealand, these trees have been known to grow up to 10 m in just 10 years. - Although they come from high altitudes in the tropics (2,500 m), they can tolerate temperate climates. - The Andean walnut can withstand temperatures between -3°C and 40°C. - These trees thrive along stream banks and can also tolerate hot and dry summers, such as those in southwest Western Australia. - They have a low chilling requirement. - The Andean walnut produces large nuts with a thick shell, making them suitable in parrot habitats but more challenging to crack open. - The nuts can be consumed raw or used in various culinary applications, including pastries, sweetmeats, and confectionery. - The timber of the Andean walnut is hard, attractive, and highly prized for cabinet making, carving, and general woodworking. - Unfortunately, the demand for its valuable timber has led to the threat of deforestation in the Andean region. - In some parts of the Andes, the trees are even being cut down for firewood due to the scarcity of alternative fuel sources. - Propagation of the Juglans neotropica is done through seed planting. - Initial trials suggest that direct planting of sprouted seeds is a viable method for establishing large plantings.
- Well-draining soil - Prefers fertile soil - Tolerates a wide range of soil types - Can grow in both acidic and alkaline soils - Thrives in loamy and sandy soils
A fast growing, evergreen, native of the Andes, which grows to around 30 m. Trees have been known to reach 10 m in 10 years in New Zealand. Because they come from high altitude (2,500 m) tropics, their climate is essentially temperate They tolerate temperatures between - 3°C and 40°C.
The trees grow well along stream banks, but also appear to be able to tolerate the hot dry summers of south west Western Australia without supplementary watering. They have a low chilling requirement.
This black shelled walnut is large with a very thick shell. This makes it ideal in parrot country, but reduces the amount of flesh in the nut and renders it harder to crack open. The nuts are eaten raw or used in pastries, sweetmeats and other confectionery.
The timber is hard, attractive and highly prized for cabinet making, carving and general woodwork. The quest for the valuable timber is threatening old stands in the Andes. Despite their value, they are even being cut for firewood in parts of the Andes where firewood is difficult to secure.
Propagation is by seed. Trials so far, suggest that direct planting of sprouted seed seems a viable method of establishing large plantings.