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Description
Sideroxylon Lanuginosum, also known as Gum Bully, is a slow-growing evergreen tree that belongs to the family Sapotaceae. It is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida and Texas, and is commonly found in wetlands, swamps, and sandy soils. The tree can grow up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide, and has a round, dense crown. Its bark is light gray and smooth when young, becoming rough and darker as it ages. The leaves are oval-shaped, glossy, and dark green, measuring about 1-3 inches long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Sapotaceae |
| Genus | Sideroxylon |
Appearance
Apart from its round and dense crown, Sideroxylon Lanuginosum has a slow growth rate that makes it an ideal tree for landscaping. Its leaves are oval-shaped, glossy, and dark green, turning yellowish-green during the winter season. The tree produces small, white flowers that bloom from March to May, followed by small, orange-red berries that ripen during the fall season. The berries are edible and sweet, but have a latex content that may cause skin irritation.
Care Guide
Sideroxylon Lanuginosum is a low-maintenance tree that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:Water: Water newly planted trees regularly, and once established, water only during prolonged droughts.Fertilization: Fertilize the tree once a year with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.Soil: The tree prefers well-drained sandy soil, but can also tolerate clay and loam soils.Sunlight: The tree prefers full sunlight, but can also tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Sideroxylon Lanuginosum can grow in USDA hardiness zones 8a to 11b.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sideroxylon Lanuginosum is generally pest and disease free, but may occasionally suffer from the following:Pests: The tree may be attacked by scale insects, spider mites, and aphids.Diseases: The tree may be susceptible to leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot.
Habitat
Sideroxylon Lanuginosum is commonly found in wetlands, swamps, and sandy soils in the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida and Texas. It is also found in savannas, pine rocklands, and coastal hammocks. The tree is tolerant of salt spray and can be grown near the coast.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Sideroxylon Lanuginosum a fast-growing tree?
A: No, it is a slow-growing tree.Q: Is the fruit of Sideroxylon Lanuginosum edible?
A: Yes, it is edible, but has a latex content that may cause skin irritation.Q: What are the common pests of Sideroxylon Lanuginosum?
A: Scale insects, spider mites, and aphids are the common pests of this tree.Q: What are the hardiness zones for Sideroxylon Lanuginosum?
A: The tree can grow in USDA hardiness zones 8a to 11b.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Sideroxylon Lanuginosum:
- Sideroxylon celastrinum
- Sideroxylon foetidissimum
- Sideroxylon lycioides
- Sideroxylon tenax
References
- Morton, J. F. (1987). Sideroxylon lanuginosum. In Fruits of warm climates (pp. 357-358). Miami, FL: Julia F. Morton.
- USDA Forest Service. (2021). Gum bully (Sideroxylon lanuginosum). Retrieved from https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_PLANTMATERIALS/People/PM-CN-11.pdf
- University of Florida IFAS Extension. (2021). Sideroxylon lanuginosum. Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST497
