Calafate is an endemic shrub of the Chilean and Argentine Patagonia. It is considered a symbol of places like Punta Arenas and Aysén.
It is characterized by its edible fruit, which has been collected since prehistoric times, used for medicinal purposes and as a nutritional source.
From our ancestors
Our ancestors enlisted various legends to explain its origin, legends that have come down to us today. According to the myths of the Tehuelches and Selknam, there was a very beautiful maiden named Calafate, belonging to the Tehuelche tribe, with big golden eyes that could hypnotize anyone who saw her.
One day, Calafate met a handsome young man from the Selknam tribe, and they fell madly in love. However, their love was forbidden because they belonged to rival tribes; so they decided to run away together.
Calafate's father sought help from a shaman to put an end to their love, but the shaman assured him that he could only separate them.
In this way, he transformed Calafate into a shrub with golden flowers like her eyes. The young man searched the entire steppe for her, but in vain, and he died of love.
The mystical heights
The spirits of the steppe took pity on him and turned him into a bird so he could fly and explore the mountains. Every spring, the Calafate bush is covered with yellow flowers like the maiden’s eyes.
The legend says that those who eat this fruit become enchanted and fall madly in love with Patagonia, so much so that they will be compelled to return.
