Contents
Description
Sideroxylon Celastrinum, also known as the Florida bully or boxwood, is a tropical plant that belongs to the family Sapotaceae. It is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida, and can grow up to 25 feet tall. The plant has a unique appearance with its dense foliage that is dark green and glossy, and it produces small white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The fruit is a small, round berry that turns black when ripe, and it is edible but not commonly consumed.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ebenales |
| Family | Sapotaceae |
| Genus | Sideroxylon |
Appearance
Sideroxylon Celastrinum has a dense and compact appearance with a rounded or pyramidal shape. The leaves are elliptical in shape, about 2-4 inches long, and 1-2 inches wide. They are dark green and glossy on the upper surface, while the underside is pale green. The plant produces small white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer, followed by small, round berries that turn black when ripe. The bark is gray-brown and smooth, which becomes rough and furrowed as the plant ages.
Care Guide
Sideroxylon Celastrinum requires moderate care to thrive. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during the hot summer months. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring and fall. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can damage the roots.
- Soil: Plant Sideroxylon Celastrinum in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as much.
- Hardiness Zones: Sideroxylon Celastrinum is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sideroxylon Celastrinum is relatively pest and disease-free, but it may occasionally suffer from the following:
- Scale insects: These insects can suck sap from the plant and cause yellowing of the leaves. Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves. Remove affected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
- Rust: This fungal disease causes orange spots on the leaves. Remove affected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
Habitat
Sideroxylon Celastrinum is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida, where it grows in sandy soils and pine forests. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. The plant is also found in the Caribbean and Central America.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Sideroxylon Celastrinum poisonous?
A: No, the plant is not poisonous, but the fruit is not commonly consumed.
Q: How often should I fertilize Sideroxylon Celastrinum?
A: Fertilize the plant with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring and fall.
Q: Can Sideroxylon Celastrinum tolerate shade?
A: Yes, the plant can tolerate some shade but may not flower as much.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Sideroxylon Celastrinum?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
- Sideroxylon foetidissimum
- Sideroxylon tenax
- Sideroxylon reclinatum
References
- “Sideroxylon Celastrinum.” The University of Florida Extension.
- “Sideroxylon Celastrinum.” The Missouri Botanical Garden.
- “Florida Bully.” The Floridata.
