Bastardcedar

Guazuma ulmifolia

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Malvaceae
Genus:
Guazuma
Species:
Guazuma ulmifolia

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
More than 40 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug
Bloom Colors:
green, yellow

Native Range

United States: Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands

Host Plant for Caterpillars

rice moth (Corcyra cephalonica), stored nut moth (Paralipsa gularis)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
fertile, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers disturbed areas and secondary forests

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Seeds are dipped in boiling water for 30 seconds, then cooled off under cold flowing water. The gel that forms around the seeds should be removed by rubbing the seeds between paper towels.

Establishment: Fruits for seed collection were harvested from trees in St. Croix. Fruiting is variable throughout the year with distinct peaks in production. The plant is sun-loving and does poorly in the greenhouse, becoming weak and chlorotic if shaded for too long.

Source: npn.rngr.net