Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Ebenaceae

Genus:

Diospyros

Species:

Diospyros maritima

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Tree

Height:

12-20 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

may

Native Range

United States: Florida

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained coastal soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

native to coastal areas, tolerates salt spray