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Description
Chrysobalanus Icaco, also known as cocoplum, is a shrub or small tree that belongs to the Chrysobalanaceae family. It is native to the coastal regions of Florida, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The plant has glossy, dark green leaves that are 3-6 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. The flowers are small and pink, and they bloom in clusters during the spring and summer. The fruit of the Chrysobalanus Icaco is a round, purple drupe that is about 1 inch in diameter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Chrysobalanaceae |
| Genus | Chrysobalanus |
Appearance
The Chrysobalanus Icaco can grow up to 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide. It has a rounded, dense canopy that makes it an excellent choice for hedges or screens. The leaves of the plant are glossy and dark green, and they have a leathery texture. The flowers are small and pink, and they bloom in clusters during the spring and summer. The fruit of the Chrysobalanus Icaco is a round, purple drupe that is about 1 inch in diameter.
Care Guide
- Water: The Chrysobalanus Icaco requires moderate watering. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in most soils, but it prefers well-drained soils.
- Fertilization: The plant should be fertilized in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause the leaves to turn yellow.
- Soil: The Chrysobalanus Icaco prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate shade, but it may not produce as many flowers or fruit.
- Hardiness Zones: The Chrysobalanus Icaco is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Chrysobalanus Icaco is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is not well-drained. The plant may also attract scale insects, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Habitat
The Chrysobalanus Icaco is native to the coastal regions of Florida, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. It can be found in coastal dunes, mangrove swamps, and other coastal habitats. The plant is salt-tolerant, which makes it an excellent choice for coastal gardens.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Chrysobalanus Icaco a good hedge plant?
A: Yes, the Chrysobalanus Icaco is an excellent choice for hedges or screens because of its dense canopy.
Q: Can the Chrysobalanus Icaco tolerate salt spray?
A: Yes, the plant is salt-tolerant and can tolerate salt spray.
Q: Does the Chrysobalanus Icaco require pruning?
A: The plant does not require pruning, but it can be pruned to maintain its shape or size.
Q: Does the Chrysobalanus Icaco produce fruit?
A: Yes, the plant produces a round, purple drupe that is about 1 inch in diameter.
Related Plants
- Chrysobalanus pellocarpus
- Chrysobalanus ellipticus
- Chrysobalanus icaco var. trinitensis
- Chrysobalanus obovatus
References
- “Chrysobalanus Icaco.” Floridata. Accessed 17 August 2021. https://floridata.com/plant/919
- “Cocoplum, Chrysobalanus icaco.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed 17 August 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/st617
- “Chrysobalanus Icaco.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 17 August 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279146&isprofile=1&basic=Chrysobalanus%20icaco
