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Description
Sideroxylon Lycioides, commonly known as buckthorn bully, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It is native to the southern United States and can be found in regions ranging from Texas to Florida. The tree has a dense and rounded crown, with a rough and furrowed bark, that is dark brown to gray in color. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and are oblong to lanceolate in shape, with a length of 1 to 3 inches. The tree produces small white flowers in the spring, followed by small, round, and black fruit in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Sapotaceae |
| Genus | Sideroxylon |
Appearance
Sideroxylon Lycioides has a dense and rounded crown, with a rough and furrowed bark that is dark brown to gray in color. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and are oblong to lanceolate in shape, with a length of 1 to 3 inches. The tree produces small white flowers in the spring, followed by small, round, and black fruit in the fall. The fruit is edible but not commonly consumed due to its bitter taste.
Care Guide
Sideroxylon Lycioides prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It can tolerate occasional droughts and is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11. The tree requires moderate watering and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring. It is resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance tree.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sideroxylon Lycioides is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to scale insects and spider mites. To prevent infestations, it is recommended to regularly inspect the tree and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if necessary.
Habitat
Sideroxylon Lycioides is native to the southern United States and can be found in regions ranging from Texas to Florida. It is commonly found in sandy soils, pine forests, and coastal areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Sideroxylon Lycioides a fast-growing tree?
A: No, Sideroxylon Lycioides is a slow-growing tree.
Q: Can I grow Sideroxylon Lycioides in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow Sideroxylon Lycioides in a container, but it will require frequent watering and fertilization.
Q: Can I eat the fruit of Sideroxylon Lycioides?
A: Yes, the fruit of Sideroxylon Lycioides is edible but not commonly consumed due to its bitter taste.
Q: Does Sideroxylon Lycioides attract wildlife?
A: Yes, Sideroxylon Lycioides can attract birds and butterflies with its small white flowers and black fruit.
Related Plants
- Sideroxylon celastrinum
- Sideroxylon lanuginosum
- Sideroxylon reclinatum
- Sideroxylon tenax
References
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SILY
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/buckthorn-bully/buckthorn-bully-tree-care.htm
- https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/ST/ST12600.pdf
- https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/143284/
